CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Many drivers like to listen to music or podcasts during their morning commute, but could wearing headphones instead of listening through the car speakers get them in trouble?
North Carolina and many other states are hands-free, which means you can't use your cellphone while driving, but is it against the law to use earbuds or headphones?
THE QUESTION
Is it legal to wear headphones while driving in North Carolina?
OUR SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, it is legal to drive while wearing headphones or earbuds in North Carolina. However, doing so could cause you to break other state traffic laws.
WHAT WE FOUND
"There is no law in North Carolina that makes it illegal to drive with your headphones," Ames said.
However, if that volume is up too loud, that could affect your ability to hear what's happening around you.
"You also may not be able to hear emergency vehicles, fire trucks, ambulance, or that you are being pulled over by a police officer," Ames said.
State law says drivers who fail to pull over for emergency vehicles can be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor and could get hit with a $250 fine. Other states, like Virginia and Georgia, have laws on the books that make it illegal to drive with your headphones on. So, if you're crossing into any of those states and wearing headphones or earbuds, you are now in violation.
While you can use headphones in North Carolina, it is a hands-free state, which means you can not use your mobile phone while driving, whether to read or send text messages while the car is in motion.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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