Helmet Speakers/Headphones

[RossKean]

I was looking at the state-by-state motorcycle laws on the AMA site. There are a couple of states that say possession of helmet speakers is prohibited. Some other states say "for communication only" and still other say "one earphone only". Many states have no restrictions.

https://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/laws.asp

Has anyone ever managed to get cited for "illegal" speakers or more than one earphone or listening to tunes instead of just communication? I'm wondering if these laws are ever enforced? I'm asking because I am going from a bike with fairing-mounted stereo speakers (Venture) to an FJR where my choices are earbuds or the tunes in my head. I sometimes ride in some of the states where there are restrictions.

Ross

 

[Patriot]

check my map below...never been a problem and I've had "discussions" with law enforcement before and ride with a LEO often

I don't wear ear buds, but have "speakers" in my helmet as headsets so taking off my helmet shows nothing in my ears, but I do have a cord from the headset

YMMV

 

[user 213]

It's unlikely you will be cited for this, IMHO. Earplugs are illegal in some states too, but only because it's sort of written into the motor vehicle code and intended for auto drivers, not motorcycles. I've been stopped for speeding and the LEO clearly watched me take the plugs out, (while I wondered if I was going to get cited for that), only to say "makes riding more comfortable, huh?" and going on about his normal business with the speed issue.

I suspect that if you fail the 'attitude test' you could possibly get an extra citation, but no one is looking for that as a primary offense.

 

[TCMike]

MN says one ear only, Oops. So many people ride with 2 though, that it must not be an issue with the po po.

 

[Crash Cash]

I've always wondered about the earplug issue, as on my SV they're pretty much mandatory. I feel my personal safety is more important, and I'd fight it long and hard. Yesterday, I skipped the earplugs to run across the street to Best Buy and my ears were ringing two hours later.

I got a visor/eye protection ticket once from a bicycle cop just sitting at a light downtown. I had my visor up because it happened to be 102F that day. I accepted the ticket totally without a comment, because I was wearing prescription glasses, which I already knew counted as eye protection. When I went to court, the cop actually showed up and got reamed by the judge for not knowing his law, for writing a trivial ticket, and for wasting the court's time.

As always, it boils down to how much of an ass the officer is, and whether you get a professional cop or a joe-bob.

 

[RossKean]

There is no comparable regulation in Canada (as far as I know) and that's where I do most of my riding. I have never heard of anyone getting a ticket for earphones/speakers, but I have never worn them before. I do wear earplugs if using anything other than a full-face helmet. I'm pleased to see that earphone citations do not seem to be a common issue in states where regulations exist. As mentioned above, it might just depend upon the mood of the LEO and whether you give him any grief.

Ross

 

[FJRBluesman]

The AMA has really pushed in many states for legislation to allow ear plugs for motorcyclists to help prevent hearing damage. Cali has accepted this and now they allow it under certain guidelines.

 

[FJRK]

Often wondered if this applied the the deaf drivers? Deaf or earplugs... What's the difference? Not illegal to drive while deaf.

 

[Patriot]

Often wondered if this applied the the deaf drivers? Deaf or earplugs... What's the difference? Not illegal to drive while deaf.

but it should be if dumb... :blink: