BLOG

Are Florida drivers allowed to wear headphones?

Free Consultation

Book An Appointment

Say you love to listen to music when you drive your car, but your speakers are wearing out. You have a great pair of Bluetooth headphones, so you decide to just wear them while you drive. Since it reduces the noise of the road, you find that you actually like driving much better that way.

But are you allowed to do this? Listening to music is not only legal but incredibly popular, so that’s clearly not a problem — even if it is a distraction — but do you have to listen to it on the stereo system in the car itself, or can you use the headphones?

Florida law prohibits the use of headphones when driving

Generally, you cannot wear a “headset, headphone or another listening device” when operating a motor vehicle, under current Florida law. There are a few exceptions, such as the use of a hearing aid, but you can’t wear your wireless headphones just to have better music quality. Doing so is a violation of the law and could result in legal trouble if you’re caught.

Why is this true? The issue is that headphones cut out so much noise around your car that it makes it harder to hear horns, sirens, emergency vehicles and the like. They are also fairly distracting in a way that in-car music isn’t, as the experience is more immersive. In short, driving with headphones can take your attention away from the road, which can cause accidents.

What if other drivers do it anyway?

You know not to wear headphones in the car, but other drivers may not know or may not care. If they injure you in an accident, you need to know how to seek financial compensation.

LET US DO ALL THE HEAVY LIFTING

Call Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

Schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer from Phillips, Hayden & Labbee, LLP. The sooner you get us involved, the more we can do to help you.

(727) 888-PAIN



What Our Clients Say

PERSONAL INJURY CLIENT

Sharon Elliott

When I first called their office I was able to speak to a paralegal and an attorney right away. They answered all of my questions. Throughout the process of my case the attorneys were in constant contact with me. I knew every step of the process. The staff and attorneys were very easy to talk to. I was extremely pleased with the outcome. My medical bills were high. They managed to get my doctors to write off a lot of the bills which saved me money. PHL is a great law firm. I highly recommend them to anyone. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

REAL ESTATE CLIENT

Amber Joye Rosen, Au.D.

I called numerous attorneys, Michael Labbee was not only the only attorney to call me back at all but called me the same day during his personal time. In the consult, he confirmed my rights as a party to this contract, went over all the ramifications the seller would incur by breaking our contract, and went over cost of litigation if that’s the route I needed to take. I felt more empowered at my options. He was not only knowledgeable and to the point, but kind (yet clearly willing to go to bat to people in their place for my rights!).

PERSONAL INJURY CLIENT

Merrill King

Outstanding attorneys. Extremely knowledgeable of the law. They don’t back down from a challenge!

BUSINESS TRANSACTION CLIENT

Cal Webster

We hired Michael Labbee to build several contracts for our business. Michael and his team are very knowledgable and professional about multi aspects of what we need help on.

PERSONAL INJURY CLIENT

Joey Gill

After my accident I contacted Tyler Hayden to get his advice on legal help and he said don’t worry, we can take care of this and that’s exactly what that firm did. From day one I felt comfortable talking to the lawyers and knew they had my best interest. I would 100% recommend Phillips, Hayden, & Labbee to handle your personal injury case. I’m glad I did.