Can I Use Headphones While Driving? 

There are a few laws in Georgia surrounding what drivers can and cannot do that tend to confuse those behind the wheel. For instance, while many people think it is illegal to drive barefoot in Georgia, this has never been an actual law. Likewise, while many people think it is okay to wear headphones while driving in the state, that is also not entirely true.

While there are instances in which it is legal for some drivers to wear headphones, an experienced accident attorney can assure you that this legality never applies to all drivers.

The use of headphones while driving in Georgia is only legal when they do not impair the hearing or vision of the driver, and Georgia law specifically allows the use of communication devices such as Bluetooth. Georgia lawmakers decided that because these devices allow people to talk on their phones while still paying attention to the road, there is nothing wrong with them.

But there is a caveat to that law, as drivers can only use one earphone at any time. One ear must be completely free to allow the driver to hear their surroundings and let them know when an emergency vehicle is traveling behind them. Drivers also cannot wear an earphone for anything except for communication, meaning that a driver cannot listen music, videos, and podcasts. This is ultimately because instances of distracted driving are much more likely to lead to fatal accidents.

And the one headphone rule does not even apply to all drivers in Georgia. Drivers under the age of 18 in the state may not use their cell phone for any reason while driving. This means that even if they want to communicate on it and speak to someone on the phone through one headphone, it is illegal for them to do so while driving. This measure is used in an effort to prevent serious car accidents from happening.

Many states allow the use of two headphones while driving, but Georgia is not one of them. No driver can have both of their ears covered, or use earbuds while driving, and certain drivers such as young drivers may not wear them at all. So, while drivers may wear sandals, flip-flops, or bare feet while driving, they must be very careful if they want to use headphones, and must know how to do so legally in order to prevent severe injuries following a collision.

If you have questions about whether or not your headphone use could potentially affect your ability to recover injury compensation after a car accident, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional injury attorney from Warshauer Woodward Atkins today to gain a knowledgeable advocate on your side.