MOTORISTS wearing headphones behind the wheel can pose a serious risk to other road users.
By blocking out your hearing, you could be ignoring vital traffic signals and emergency sirens — here’s everything you need to know about the relevant driving laws.
Is it illegal to drive with headphones on?
There is no specific law that says you cannot wear headphones while driving.
However, if your headphones prove to be distracting, you can be penalised and slapped with a hefty fine.
This is due to music, podcasts or anything else you’re playing blocking out the sounds of traffic, emergency sirens, level crossing signals and noises made by other road users, meaning you could be a potential hazard.
Can you be charged for wearing headphones while driving?
If the police believe you are driving in an unsafe manor by wearing headphones, they can charge you.
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For careless driving you could receive an on-the-spot fine of £100 and three penalty points.
If the case is deemed to be more serious and goes to court, you could wind up paying a whopping maximum fine of £5,000.
You can also be given up to nine penalty points — and in some cases even be banned from driving.
Why is it dangerous to wear headphones while driving?
Much in the same way driving while wearing flip flops could attract a fine, using headphones when driving could impede your ability to drive safely.
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You could be considered at fault if you have an accident while listening to your favourite song.
The Highway Code states drivers should concentrate and avoid distractions such as “loud music” to ensure you’re driving in a safe manner.
France made it illegal for road users to wear any device capable of emitting sound in their ears in 2015.
This includes headphones and Bluetooth connected devices.
Anyone who breaks this law could face €135 (£120) fine and receive three penalty points.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “A really good driver uses all their senses to anticipate problems.
“Cutting out your hearing could mean you miss key clues about the road surface such as black ice, or warnings from other road users.
“Added to that is the distraction factor of anything you have banging away directly into your ears.
“Some types of music have been shown to make drivers speed and be more aggressive, and that intimate podcast you saved up could be so good you start thinking about it and not the road ahead.
“Just like eating at the wheel anything that reduces your attention could make you a hazard to yourself and other drivers and riders, and that’s careless driving in our, and the police’s, eyes.
“It can be dealt with by a quick fixed penalty fine at the roadside so the chances of getting away with it if spotted are slim. So our advice is can the cans when driving.”
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Is it illegal to wear headphones while riding a motorbike?
The Highway Code doesn’t stop motorcyclists from listening to music.
All motorcyclists should ensure they have motorbike insurance, a good helmet and protective clothing, a well-maintained vehicle and ensure that they follow the Highway Code.
As with all road users, they should be aware of what is happening around them on the road and not be distracted by music.
Point 148 of the Highway Code states that safe driving and riding requires concentration.
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You should avoid distractions when driving or riding such as:
- Loud music (this may mask other sounds)
- Inserting a cassette or CD or tuning a radio
