Is it legal to drive with ear buds, headphones in Georgia? Here's what the law says
As technology becomes more embedded in our daily lives, drivers often turn to headphones and earbuds for communication or entertainment while on the road.
But what does Georgia law say about it?
According to Georgia Code § 40-6-250 (2024), it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while wearing a headset or headphone if it impairs your ability to hear.
Additionally, wearing any device that impairs your vision is also prohibited. However, there is an exception: drivers are permitted to wear a headset or headphone for communication purpose, such as making or receiving a phone call.
So in shorter words:
Both ears covered with headphones or earbuds is illegal.
One earbud used solely for a phone call is legal.
Georgia
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
According to Thompson Law, it is completely illegal in:
California
Louisiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Virginia
Washington
With traffic laws evolving alongside technology, Georgia drivers should remain informed to avoid fines and to stay safe behind the wheel.
Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Can I wear earbuds or headphones while driving? What Georgia law says
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Get a text about Code 15C-16.003? Be careful. Georgia DDS warns of new scam to watch out for
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) has alerted drivers about a new scam text circulating the state. The fraudulent message claims to be from the "Georgia State Department of Motor Vehicles"—a non-existent agency in Georgia—and threatens recipients with license suspension unless they pay an outstanding traffic ticket. The text message asserts that recipients owe money for an unpaid traffic violation and must settle the debt by a specified deadline to avoid severe consequences, including: Vehicle registration suspension A 30-day driving privilege suspension Potential prosecution This scam text even cites a fabricated "Georgia State Administrative Code" 15C-16.003 to appear legitimate. However, no such code exists in the state's legal framework. Georgians are urged to avoid clicking or responding to these messages. Instead, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at Residents can check their license status and access DDS services securely at Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: What is Georgia Code 15C-16.003? Watch out. It's the newest DMV text scam
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Is it legal to park in front of someone else's house in Georgia? What to know to prevent a tow
In neighborhoods across Georgia, it's a common frustration to return home to find an unfamiliar car parked right in front of your house. It's frustrating, especially if it happens often or blocks your view, but is it actually illegal? Usually, no. In most cases, it is not illegal to park on a public street in front of someone else's house in Georgia. According to Georgia law, streets are considered public rights of way, meaning any licensed driver can legally park there, unless specific laws or signs prohibit it. However, according to state Code 40-6-202, it's unlawful for drivers to stop, stand or park a car — attended or otherwise — on a street in a residential area if there's a more practical place to park off the road. Georgia Code 40-6-202 outlines where parking is explicitly prohibited. Drivers are not allowed to stop, stand, or park: On the roadway side of a vehicle that's already parked on the street On sidewalks, crosswalks, or within intersections Between a safety zone and a curb, or within 30 feet of a curb opposite a safety zone Alongside any street excavation that obstructs traffic On bridges, railroad tracks, or controlled-access highways In the area between roads on a divided highway Where signs prohibit parking or stopping In front of a public or private driveway Some neighborhoods governed by Homeowners Associations (HOAs) may have rules that restrict street parking altogether, and violations can lead to fines or other consequences, even if the street is technically public. If your neighbor is hosting a party and their guests are parked in front of your house, there's likely not much you can do, as long as no one is blocking your driveway or violating posted signs or traffic laws. It's legal and permitted on most public streets. If parking on the street is prohibited in a neighborhood or area, the penalty is usually a fine. However, some cities may also enforce towing or booting, according to the Macon Telegraph. Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Parking laws in GA: Is it legal to park in front of someone else's house?
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Is it legal to drive with ear buds, headphones in Georgia? Here's what the law says
As technology becomes more embedded in our daily lives, drivers often turn to headphones and earbuds for communication or entertainment while on the road. But what does Georgia law say about it? According to Georgia Code § 40-6-250 (2024), it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while wearing a headset or headphone if it impairs your ability to hear. Additionally, wearing any device that impairs your vision is also prohibited. However, there is an exception: drivers are permitted to wear a headset or headphone for communication purpose, such as making or receiving a phone call. So in shorter words: Both ears covered with headphones or earbuds is illegal. One earbud used solely for a phone call is legal. Georgia Pennsylvania Rhode Island According to Thompson Law, it is completely illegal in: California Louisiana Maryland Minnesota Virginia Washington With traffic laws evolving alongside technology, Georgia drivers should remain informed to avoid fines and to stay safe behind the wheel. Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Can I wear earbuds or headphones while driving? What Georgia law says
