Shouldn't This Be Filed Under Distracted Driving?

Sometimes Michigan confuses the heck out of me with it's driving laws.

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You could get pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt.

Michigan law now allows motorcyclists to decide for themselves, if certain conditions are met, whether or not to wear a helmet. (Michigan.gov)

When it comes to distracted driving, texting while driving can get you a ticket and a fine that increases for each subsequent offense.

But wearing these while driving...not illegal.

Photo by A R C H I G E R O S A on Unsplash
Photo by A R C H I G E R O S A on Unsplash
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Photo by Ayrus Hill on Unsplash
Photo by Ayrus Hill on Unsplash
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And you thought it was bad when folks drove around with face masks on in the car.

What's The Law When It Comes To Headphones/Earbuds & Driving In Michigan

Driving with earbuds or headphones on in your car is not illegal in the state of Michigan.

There is nothing in the Michigan Vehicle Code that specifically prohibits driving with headphones or earbuds. A driver could, however, be cited for careless, reckless, or failure to yield to an emergency vehicle if a police officer could show that the headphones interfered with the driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle. (Michigan.gov)

Believe it or not, there are only a handful of states where it is illegal.

In the following states, it is illegal to drive while using headphones:

  • Alaska
  • California
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota
  • Ohio
  • Rhode Island
  • Virginia
  • Washington (thenewswheel.com)

Others allow for it in various ways (one earbud in only) or uses (for GPS or people with hearing disabilities that use hearing aids).

Even though there is no law per say, you can't hear folks honking at you or a siren if you're wearing noise cancelling headphones.

Distracted driving is distracted driving. And that includes you not being able to focus on your surroundings because you're focused on what's blaring directly into your eardrums.

Have you even noticed that most newer cars automatically lower the volume of whatever you're listening to when you back up?

Go truly hands free and pay attention when you're driving please.

Oh and one more thing.

It is totally NOT illegal to drive while barefoot. That's an old urban legend.

Just figured you'd want to know.

Drive safe my friends.

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