Can I drive with ear buds in Louisiana? What the Highway Safety Commission says
If you prefer to listen to music or other kinds of media while driving, and you find that your car's stereo isn't working, you may consider popping in earbuds or putting on headphones.
Opting for earbuds or headphones in exchange for your car's radio seems harmless enough, but, depending on where you are in the U.S., it may be illegal to use such devices while driving.
Approximately 17 U.S. states have laws that prohibit the use of earbuds or headphones while driving, meanwhile other states do not have specific legislation regarding using such audio devices.
In Louisiana, it is illegal to drive while wearing headphones. More specifically, Louisiana Revised Statute 32:295.2 prohibits drivers from wearing headphones, headsets or any listening device that covers or is inserted into both ears, according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.
However, there are exceptions for law enforcement and emergency personnel using communication devices, as well as for motorcycle riders wearing headsets within approved helmets, says the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.
If you are pulled over for wearing earbuds or headphones while driving in Louisiana, the fine for the first offense is $25, plus court costs, and there may be more serious consequences if the headphones contribute to an accident, says Justia Law.
Driving while wearing earbuds or headphones can be dangerous, as the devices can impair the ability to hear crucial sounds like horns, sirens and other traffic noises. Reduced auditory awareness could cause drivers to have delayed reactions to hazards, which increases the likelihood of getting into an accident.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Ganett.com
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Is it illegal to drive with earbuds in or headphones on in Louisiana?
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Can I drive with ear buds in Louisiana? What the Highway Safety Commission says
If you prefer to listen to music or other kinds of media while driving, and you find that your car's stereo isn't working, you may consider popping in earbuds or putting on headphones. Opting for earbuds or headphones in exchange for your car's radio seems harmless enough, but, depending on where you are in the U.S., it may be illegal to use such devices while driving. Approximately 17 U.S. states have laws that prohibit the use of earbuds or headphones while driving, meanwhile other states do not have specific legislation regarding using such audio devices. In Louisiana, it is illegal to drive while wearing headphones. More specifically, Louisiana Revised Statute 32:295.2 prohibits drivers from wearing headphones, headsets or any listening device that covers or is inserted into both ears, according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. However, there are exceptions for law enforcement and emergency personnel using communication devices, as well as for motorcycle riders wearing headsets within approved helmets, says the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. If you are pulled over for wearing earbuds or headphones while driving in Louisiana, the fine for the first offense is $25, plus court costs, and there may be more serious consequences if the headphones contribute to an accident, says Justia Law. Driving while wearing earbuds or headphones can be dangerous, as the devices can impair the ability to hear crucial sounds like horns, sirens and other traffic noises. Reduced auditory awareness could cause drivers to have delayed reactions to hazards, which increases the likelihood of getting into an accident. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Is it illegal to drive with earbuds in or headphones on in Louisiana?
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Is it illegal to hang objects from rearview mirrors in Louisiana? What state law says
Inside personal vehicles, it's not uncommon to find an air freshener or other kind of hanging object dangling from rearview mirrors. However, while there's no federal law prohibiting these objects, there may be some states that have laws against hanging objects from rearview mirrors while driving. Several U.S. states do have laws that prohibit obstructing a driver's view, which includes hanging items from the rearview mirror. In Louisiana, hanging item from your rearview mirror is not explicitly prohibited, however, doing so could lead to being pulled over and handed a ticket if the object is perceived to be obstructing your view. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:282, if an item that's hanging from a rearview mirror is deemed to be obstructing the driver's view, then it could be a violation, and a police officer may issue a citation. Even if hanging objects from your rearview mirror isn't illegal, it's recommended to avoid hanging anything from rearview mirrors, as it can create a safety hazard via limiting visibility, says AAA Network. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Is it illegal to hang things from your rearview mirror in Louisiana?
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
No snoring, no gargling and no goatees? Here are the 28 weirdest laws in Louisiana
In Louisiana, there are a number of strange, and antiquated, laws that are still within the state's legal system. As for Louisiana's antiquated laws, these are laws that are still technically within the legal code, but are no longer enforced or considered relevant in modern society. Because of a foundation in the Napoleonic Code, Louisiana's legal system is unique and complex compared to the rest of the U.S., which is based on English Common Law. The Napoleonic Code is a comprehensive French legal code established by Napoleon Bonaparte, and it reflected principles like equality before the law and the protection of property rights, according to Fiveable. Whether it's harsh consequences, laws for unique circumstances or strange prohibitions, Louisiana has a few weird laws within its legal code. It's illegal to be an alcoholic in Sulphur. Cowbells are banned in Carencro. Roller Skating on the sidewalk is prohibited in Abbeville. Trick-or-treating is illegal for those 14 and older in Rayne. It's illegal to ingest blood or other bodily fluids during a ritual. At funerals, you're only allowed three sandwiches at the wake. Practicing Voodoo is prohibited in New Orleans. It's illegal to tie your alligator to a fire hydrant. Gargling in public is prohibited. In Jefferson Parish, it's illegal to feed hogs garbage unless it's cooked first. It's illegal to have a snake within 200 years of a Mardi Gras parade. Biting someone with false teeth can be classified as aggravated battery. In Sulphur, it's illegal to use obscene language on the telephone. An old ordinance states that goatees are illegal unless you pay a special license fee in order to wear one in public. Another old ordinance declares it illegal for a woman to drive a car unless her husband is waving a flag in front of the vehicle. It's illegal to dare someone to lay down on railroad tracks that are owned by someone else. Fake wrestling matches are prohibited. Minors aren't allowed to go to businesses with coin-operated foosball machines unless they're accompanied by an adult in Jefferson Parish. It's illegal to wear masks in public in Louisiana, except during Mardi Gras. It's illegal to steal someone else's alligators and/or crawfish. Snoring is prohibited unless all bedroom windows are closed and locked. Making false promises is punishable by law. Chasing fish in a city park is illegal in New Orleans It's illegal to ride a bike with only one hand in New Orleans. It's illegal to mock or heckle boxers during a match. It's illegal to shoot lasers at law enforcement officers. Urinating in the water supply could land you up to 20 years in prison. Taxi drivers are prohibited from making love in the front seat of their taxi during shifts. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What are the weirdest laws in Louisiana? Read about them here