Can You Wear AirPods While Driving? Which States Restrict Driving with Earphones?

Even an apparently simple and handy move might put you in danger.

Without having to hold your phone up to your ear, you might wish to listen to your favorite music or make a call.

Can you wear AirPods while driving, though?

We'll discuss the dangers of using Apple earbuds while driving, the regulations governing their usage, and some helpful alternatives in this post.

Let’s dive into the details!

Is it legal to wear AirPods while driving?

Possible Danger of Using AirPods While Driving

Driving a car requires a great deal of attention to detail, including listening to the noises of the traffic and being aware of your surroundings.

So if you're using earphones or headphones like the AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, you won't be able to hear traffic sounds or be aware of what's going on.

Because AirPods' noise cancellation technology prevents you from hearing or hearing outside traffic, you should avoid using them in the first place.

Read more: How to wear AirPods?

Potential risks of driving while using AirPods

A driver should constantly be conscious of the road and his surroundings when operating a car. 

Accidents can occur when a motorist is distracted by AirPods.

Many times, while ambulances and other emergency vehicles were approaching behind the driver with sirens, the driver was wearing AirPods and unable to shift the car out of the path.

Can You Wear AirPods While Driving?

The question that comes to mind for most people is “Is it illegal to wear AirPods while driving?”

In fact, the California Vehicle Code declares that it is illegal to use earphones or headphones while driving.

It is true despite the fact that you could feel more concentrated while you are in the zone and listening to music with them. 

There could be certain circumstances in which you can wear one in only one ear; however, this varies by state in the United States.

Is driving with AirPods illegal?

Undoubtedly, everyone else in the car—except the driver—is free to use their AirPods and headphones as much as they like. 

If you want to isolate specific noises or music in your car, whether for a lengthy trip or a quick commute, this is typically a good idea.

States restrict driving with earphones

States restrict driving with earphones

As was previously indicated, there is considerable debate regarding whether or not AirPods may be worn while driving.

This practice is banned in the following states:

Can you wear AirPods while driving in California? Yes, as you can see from the table above.

So can you wear one AirPod while driving?

If they just cover one ear, Bluetooth and other hands-free gadgets are legal in these states:

On the other hand, states like Iowa, Wisconsin, and others permit the use of headphones while driving. 

Read more: Can I wear AirPods Pro while sleeping?

Alternatives to Driving with AirPods

Some alternatives to driving with AirPods in

What happens if you need to drive but yet want to listen to your playlist or make a call without holding your phone up to your ear?

Take into account our recommendations below:

• Use a Bluetooth-enabled car radio or a Bluetooth adapter that connects to the music system in the car. 

• Wear just one side at once so you can still hear automobiles, emergency vehicles, and other sounds. 

• Utilize the car stereo to listen to music. 

Read more: Can you wear AirPods in a sauna?