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See if your state legally lets you wear headphones while driving

[Photo by: Malte Wingen/Unsplash]

Sure, we like jamming in the car like everyone else. And while we typically prefer to jam sans-headphones, some people might prefer to rock with 'em on.

However, it's not actually legal to do in all places.

Read more: New noise-cancelling headphones will recognize when someone says your name

Digital Music News shared a breakdown of the rules and regulations by state. It's true: Most states keep headphones legal.

However, below are the states that have some strict (or somewhat strict) regulations on rocking headphones while, well, rocking.

See which states lack leniency below:

Alaska: “Headphones and earbuds are not permitted, except when used for navigational purposes. Hearing aids OK.”
Arizona: “It's legal, though not for school bus drivers or anyone transporting children for a daycare facility.”
California: “Headphones and earbuds illegal, and that includes bicycles too. The only exception is for hearing aids, and to protect against 'injurious' noise levels.”
Colorado: “Headphones or earbuds covering both ears is prohibited, except for audio systems built into motorcycle helmets. Earpieces in one ear are permitted, for example for speaking on a phone.”
Florida: “Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Hearing aids are exempt.”
Georgia: “Anything that diminishes hearing or sight while driving is prohibited. Though earpieces used for communication purposes are permitted.”
Illinois: “Headphones or earbuds covering both ears are not permitted. The exceptions are motorcycle helmet audio systems, and one-ear headsets and earpieces.”
Louisiana: “Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Headphones built into motorcycle helmets exempt.”
Maryland: “Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Hearing aids are exempt.”
Massachusetts: “Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving, unless they are involved in the control of the vehicle itself.”
Minnesota: “Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Hearing aids are exempt.”
New York: “Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving.”
Ohio: “Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Headphones built into motorcycle helmets exempt, as are hearing aids.”
Oregon: “It's legal, but there are some regional exceptions (so check your local laws).”
Pennsylvania: “Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Single-ear audio systems for cellular communication OK, as are hearing aids.”
Rhode Island: “Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving or operating a bicycle.”
Virginia: “Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Headphones built into motorcycle helmets exempt, as are hearing aids.”
Washington: “Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Hands-free wireless communication systems and motorcycle helmet audio systems are OK.”

Do you ever wear headphones while driving? Sound off below.

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