Forum Home
PC World Chat
Thread ID: 98856	2009-04-10 08:15:00	Is it illegal to drive with earphones in?	robbyp (2751)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
763737	2009-04-10 08:15:00	I was out driving today and I drove up to an area where the police were doing their breath testing (Its Easter so they are out in force). After the breath test had been done, I was told by the police officer that it was an offense to drive with earphones on, and there is a $50 fine as it is a traffic infingement. He however didn't charge me and I had removed them before he did the test, but he obviously saw me take them off. The thing is they were off (no sound coming out of them), and I often have an earphone in one ear, as it is a handfree system for my phone, although if I was answering a call I would pull over anyway, as I don't think it is safe to talk on the phone even with a handsfree system. I have looked on the LTSA website, and it has nothing about driving with headphones on, the only thing is says is that it is recommended that people don't drive why talking on their mobile, but even that isn't an offence according to the website. Also talking on your mobile is a lot more dangerous than just having earphones on. The earphones in an off state also don't prevent me hearing outside noise in anyway, they may dull the noise a bit, but nothing major, and it is not illegal for a deaf person to drive. I am just wondering where this police officer got this information from, or is it a new law? I didn't want to question it with him at the time, because it is best to limit what you say to the police to the minimum in that type of situation, and not get into an arguement. However I think the reason he didn't issue an infingement notice, was because it wasn't an infringement. Would be interested to know what the law is on this, or if anyone has had a similar issue?	robbyp (2751)
763738	2009-04-10 08:22:00	I wouldnt worry about it.	prefect (6291)
763739	2009-04-10 08:46:00	Maybe his ticket quota was low for the day. At least you weren't laughing Click Here (www.dailymail.co.uk)	wmoore (6009)
763740	2009-04-10 09:02:00	Is it illegal to drive with earphones in? I imagine it depends just where they are in.	R2x1 (4628)
763741	2009-04-10 09:08:00	Oh man, that just triggered all sorts of imagination! :lol:	Renmoo (66)
763742	2009-04-10 09:13:00	I can't see how it can be illegal. People drive with the stereo at full blast, that could be considered the same situation.	bob_doe_nz (92)
763743	2009-04-10 10:12:00	concidering some truck drivers drive with earmuffs on due to the truck noise ! also a lot of vechiles are fairly well sound proof. with radio on low volume you can't hear much out side the vechile anyway !	tweak'e (69)
763744	2009-04-10 10:49:00	concidering some truck drivers drive with earmuffs on due to the truck noise ! also a lot of vechiles are fairly well sound proof. with radio on low volume you can't hear much out side the vechile anyway ! Exactly, and they don't ban deaf drivers from driving either, just becuase they can't hear. I think it was the police officers personal view, which is a worry, if police think they can make up their own rules. If I was really breaking the law by wearing earphones, he would have actually written me a ticket.	robbyp (2751)
763745	2009-04-10 21:38:00	Police ( in my opinion ) always have the option to charge a person with driving without due car and attention. Its not the earphones themselves but what the effect may have on your ability to drive. This is obviously a subjective thing and may be open to interpretation.	Sweep (90)
763746	2009-04-10 23:06:00	Exactly, and they don't ban deaf drivers from driving either, just becuase they can't hear. I think it was the police officers personal view, which is a worry, if police think they can make up their own rules. If I was really breaking the law by wearing earphones, he would have actually written me a ticket. I would suggest that you contact the traffic department and ask them about it. It would surprise me if it was breaking the law as, like people have said, deaf people are allowed to drive and there are plenty of people with stereos so loud it would be impossible to hear anything over the din.	FoxyMX (5)
1 2 3