Is it illegal to drive with headphones in your ears?

Question

I've noticed it becoming more common, but yesterday it really struck me as dangerous:

I was driving between London and Swindon on the M4 when an unmarked police car came up fast behind me, so i moved to the middle lane. However the car in front took about 20 seconds to react despite the police using all the different siren tones. I then overtook the bloke later and he had headphones in - hence why he couldn't here the police. Surely that must be illegal. Driving without due care and attention?

Answer 1

if you have a crash and injure some one yes it is new law its called big brother

Answer 2

I know that in some of the states in the USA driving with headphones is illegal. Minnesota for instance has laws against driving with headphones in because, just like you said, you can't hear police officers or other emergency vehicles.

Answer 3

It's illegal in the UK, even if you are on a motorbike and can't hear anything because of your helmet.

Think it's the same law as my American friend above - Driving whilst impaired, but failing to give way to an emergency vehicle under any circumstance is driving without due care and attention.

Answer 4

Yes! In California it is illegal to have both of your ears covered with headphones/earbuds, what ever

I assume that it will be the same in Europe too.

Answer 5

Only if you are also blind.

The situation you describe above would be driving without due care and attention, had the driver NOT pulled over, chances are though that with the idiots presently on our roads, they would not have pulled over any sooner, even without the headphones!

Answer 6

It's illegal in most places, and if it isn't it should be.  It is driving while impaired if you can't hear.  In some states, it is even illegal to ride a bicycle with headphones.

Answer 7

I can't think of any specific offence off the top of my head but would have to check up to be sure.  It could however fall under the heading of failing to keep proper control or driving with undue care or similar offences.

As for the driver not hearing the sirens, he would have seen the blue lights if he was using his mirrors.  I often sit behind people with blue lights, flashing head lights and sirens going and they still dont see me!

Answer 8

In massachusetts its illegal to wear headphones except for in one ear which is used for cell phones only...so probably cuz its really dangerous

Answer 9

I think it is! Did you get his registration plate if you did report him.

Answer 10

Even if a traffic law doesn’t outlaw something, it doesn’t mean it should be done. If you are listening to music you may not be able to hear emergency vehicles or other things that are happening around you. Drivers need to pay full attention all the time.

Answer 11

I guess it depends where you live. Each country/state has its own "Laws."

Answer 12

Sorry, I can't hear you!

I have headphones in my ears

I think it is illegal in the UK

Surely that bloke must have had a stereo in his car