If you’re planning to drive through Georgia and rock out with both headphones in, you may want to think again. In Georgia, it’s actually illegal to drive while wearing headphones or earbuds in both ears. While enjoying your favorite playlist might be tempting, safety is always the top priority — and Georgia’s laws take that very seriously.
What Does the Law Say?
Georgia Code § 40-6-250 (2020) specifically prohibits drivers from wearing headphones or earbuds that block or limit their ability to hear surrounding sounds, especially sirens from emergency vehicles or other important audio signals. This means that using headphones in both ears is illegal because it impairs your ability to hear vital sounds in your environment.
However, the law isn’t against using headphones altogether. If you want to enjoy music while driving, you’re allowed to use one earbud or headphone, as long as you can still hear what’s going on around you. The key is that you must stay alert and able to hear sirens, horns, and other important sounds to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.