Riding with 2 ear plugs or headphones illegal in Ohio

[aKorn]

So... I'm ready to buy custom earplugs to cut the noise and for some reason I checked the state law. Here's what it says:

Headsets: It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while wearing earphones over, or earplugs in, both ears.

Is this common in other states? Does anyone know of someone who has been busted for this?

Thanks

K

[mrb42]

Originally Posted by aKorn

So... I'm ready to buy custom earplugs to cut the noise and for some reason I checked the state law. Here's what it says:

Headsets: It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while wearing earphones over, or earplugs in, both ears.

Is this common in other states? Does anyone know of someone who has been busted for this?

Thanks

K

****... glad you posted this, because I just started riding with a pair of headphone on... both ears.

I guess I'll have to figure something else out.

[Bake151]

New York is the same way. Does that include helmet speakers though? They are not on or in your ears. I'd say they would be ok but I'm not the one enforcing the laws.

[wild_deuce03]

Either way, I think it's stupid. We are regulated but people driving in cars aren't. You tell me who's distracted more by a stereo.

[gnomad]

That Ohio law about not being legal to ride with earphones or earplugs applies to cars also. There are no restrictions on helmet speakers.

[aKorn]

I'm going to get them anyway. It would have to be an awfully big prick to cite you for protecting your hearing. If there was an accident, it might be cited as a cause.

[Bake151]

I'm guessing the premise of the law is to be able to hear things around you, sirens, etc.... I understand about car stereos blasting, no argument from me. I deal with it all the time. I'm a firefighter in a 2 college town so we get cars not pulling over all the time. Anyway, I don't see any reason against the helmet speakers. I tried wearing my iPod earbuds and I couldn't get them to stay in with my helmet on.

[Seadog1967]

Ma. has the same laws. Never got stopped for it though.

[Uthor]

Even if I were stopped and given a ticket for wearing ear plugs, I wouldn't stop. My hearing is worth the cost. Plus, it's not like they'll see 'em under your helmet.

[RCBOZO]

It looks like built in speakers in your helment are excluded from Ohio's law. I pasted a copy the Ohio law about earphones.



4511.84 Earphones or earplugs on operator prohibited.
(A) No person shall operate a motor vehicle while wearing earphones over, or earplugs in, both ears. As used in this section, “earphones” means any headset, radio, tape player, or other similar device that provides the listener with radio programs, music, or other recorded information through a device attached to the head and that covers all or a portion of both ears. “Earphones” does not include speakers or other listening devices that are built into protective headgear.

(B) This section does not apply to:

(1) Any person wearing a hearing aid;

(2) Law enforcement personnel while on duty;

(3) Fire department personnel and emergency medical service personnel while on duty;

(4) Any person engaged in the operation of equipment for use in the maintenance or repair of any highway;

(5) Any person engaged in the operation of refuse collection equipment.

(C) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

Effective Date: 10-30-1989

[RCBOZO]

My father in law has hearing aids and just turns them off when he rides. I guess that legal

[a99miata]

also in Florida.......

[Mandachan]

Originally Posted by RCBOZO

It looks like built in speakers in your helment are excluded from Ohio's law. I pasted a copy the Ohio law about earphones.



4511.84 Earphones or earplugs on operator prohibited.
(A) No person shall operate a motor vehicle while wearing earphones over, or earplugs in, both ears. As used in this section, “earphones” means any headset, radio, tape player, or other similar device that provides the listener with radio programs, music, or other recorded information through a device attached to the head and that covers all or a portion of both ears. “Earphones” does not include speakers or other listening devices that are built into protective headgear.

(B) This section does not apply to:

(1) Any person wearing a hearing aid;

(2) Law enforcement personnel while on duty;

(3) Fire department personnel and emergency medical service personnel while on duty;

(4) Any person engaged in the operation of equipment for use in the maintenance or repair of any highway;

(5) Any person engaged in the operation of refuse collection equipment.

(C) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

Effective Date: 10-30-1989

By this description - EarPLUGS are not included - only items that you actually hear something through. My husband has to wear earplugs in Florida due to the noise, but he can actually hear 'normally' with the earplugs in.

[jukief]

I wear custom-molded earplugs, and I can hear sirens just fine. I'd hate to have any law that prevented me from wearing them. I honestly believe they're saving my hearing. I'm afraid I'd have to break that law.

[insolentminx]

i dunno about that... i think they must mean earplugs that block off sound completely or provide a distraction.

Regular foam earplugs or custom moulded plugs only really cut out the monotonous or reverberating sounds caused by the engine. They don't obscure traffic noise or anything. I'd be intrigued to hear from anyone who gets cited for this...

[JacksonW]

+1 on what most are saying. Just got back from a trip to Pa and I wouldn't have it any other way! For me, it's not the bike noise, but, the wind. I wear a 1/2 lid and it really helps. I'm gettin' too old to loose my hearing!

[Dougger]

Actually here in Colorado it is illegal to drive with headphones or earbuds. The officer I talked to said you cannot hear sirens. Your right though about people who have loud stereos couldn't hear a siren either.

DL

[shadowphreak]

The music in my car is usually too loud to hear anything else too. But I think its a little more important to hear on a bike. I also like to be able to hear the bike itself just incase anything sounds weird. Im in Ohio and just ride with one ear bud in. Ive never tried ear plugs though so I dont know how much they really block out.