Can You Wear One Earbud While Driving?
Most drivers love to enjoy music, podcasts and taking hands-free calls while driving. For some drivers, it is simple to use earbuds. But is it safe? And more importantly, can you wear one earbud while driving legally?
This comprehensive 2025 guide examines the laws, risks, and better alternatives for drivers who want to stay connected and safe while driving.
Table of Contents
Is It Allowed to Wear One Earbud While Driving?
Rules vary from country to country.
United States
In many U.S. states, wearing earbuds while driving is restricted for safety reasons. For example, California and Maryland do not allow drivers to wear both earbuds, but using one earbud is permitted, especially for phone calls or navigation.
In New York, drivers are allowed to use a single earphone or Bluetooth device, as long as it doesn’t block or reduce their ability to hear outside sounds.
Similarly, in Illinois and Colorado, it’s illegal to wear headphones in both ears while driving, but using one ear is generally considered acceptable.
United Kingdom
There is no specific law banning earbud use. However, under the Highway Code, they can still charge you some money or put you in the mock, if the police think your use of earbuds caused distracted driving.
Canada
In Canada, rules about using earbuds while driving vary by province. In Ontario, using earbuds is allowed as long as it does not prevent the driver from hearing emergency signals or surrounding traffic.
Meanwhile, in British Columbia, drivers are encouraged to use built-in hands-free systems instead of wearing earbuds to reduce distractions and improve road safety.
Australia
Like Canada and the UK, there’s no federal act banning one earbud. But local traffic laws and police decisions about driver inattention can result in fines or penalties.
Risks of Driving With One Earbud In
Even if it’s legal where you live, there are clear safety risks when it comes to earbud safety while driving.
1. Reduced Environmental Awareness
One earbud might not block sound entirely, but it still hardly affects your ability to hear:
- Emergency vehicle sirens
- Car horns
- Pedestrians calling out
- Motorcycles passing nearby
2. Delayed Reaction Time
Even if you are looking at the road, your brain is still multitasking.
Listening to a conversation or focusing on song lyrics distracts your mental attention, which can delay your reaction to unexpected events.
Study Insight: According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, your mind stays distracted for up to 27 seconds after hanging up.
3. False Sense of Control
Many drivers expect “It’s just one ear”, so they assume they’re more aware of their surroundings.
But studies show that even gentle distractions (like voice instructions or low-volume music) can lead to reduced lane control and hazard detection.
One Earbud vs Two While Driving: Key Differences
Let’s compare the risk levels:
| Type | Legal in Most Places? | Safety Level | Risk of Distraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two Earbuds | Illegal in many places | Low | Very High |
| One Earbud | Sometimes legal | Moderate | Medium |
| Car Bluetooth | Legal and safe | High | Low |
So, driving with one earbud may be legal, but hands-free or speaker options are always better and safer for full attention.
Better Alternatives to Earbuds While Driving
For relishing audio and communication without any risk, try these alternatives that don’t compromise your awareness:
1. Built-In Car Bluetooth Systems
Many of the new vehicles have Bluetooth connectivity that syncs with your phone:
- Auto-mutes music for incoming calls
- Uses car speakers, not your ears
- Voice can be activated with steering-wheel buttons
2. Mono Bluetooth Headsets
If you don’t have a car Bluetooth, use a single-ear Bluetooth headset:
- Designed for legal one-ear use
- Lightweight and environmental sounds are not blocked
- Offers clean microphone and speaker quality
3. Voice Assistants (Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa Auto)
These assist with hands-free navigation, texts, and calls:
- No need to tap the screen
- Give commands and stay focused
- Ideal to send short texts or check directions
4. Phone Mounts with Speaker Mode
If your car is older and has no Bluetooth:
- Use a dashboard phone holder
- Keep the phone on speaker
- Avoid holding it in your hand while driving
These options keep your hands on the wheel and ears open to the road.
Tips for Using Audio Safely While Driving
If you must use one earbud, follow these safety guidelines:
- Keep the volume as low as possible
- Use only one earbud, never both
- Don’t use noise-cancelling earbuds while driving
- Avoid earbuds that sit deep in the ear (they block more sound)
- Pause or stop your car for long or intense conversations
- Prioritise the road environment over entertainment
Remember: No song or podcast is more important than your life and others on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can truck drivers wear one earbud while driving?
Most commercial driving laws discourage it. Truck drivers are typically required to use approved hands-free devices, like mono Bluetooth headsets.
Is using one earbud safe for new drivers?
Not recommended. New drivers should stay fully focused. Even a single earbud can divide attention and lead to slower reactions.
Are Bluetooth headsets legal while driving?
Yes, Bluetooth headsets with one earpiece are legal in most areas. They’re preferred over full earbuds because they allow you to hear road noise.
Can I wear one AirPod while driving?
One AirPod may be allowed legally in some places, but it’s better to use dedicated driving gear that doesn’t block sound or distract your attention.
Are there penalties for using earbuds while driving?
Yes. You may be fined if your earbud use causes distracted driving. In some states and countries, using two earbuds is a direct offence, even if no crash occurs.
Conclusion: Should You Wear One Earbud While Driving?
- Legality: It’s sometimes legal to wear one earbud while driving, depending on your local laws.
- Safety: Even with one earbud, distraction and reduced awareness are real dangers.
- Best practice: Use safer options like Bluetooth systems, mono headsets, or speakerphone setups.
Final Advice:
Check your local traffic laws.
Use safer alternatives.
Put safety above convenience.
Driving is a full-attention activity. Whether it’s a phone call or your favourite playlist, make sure it never takes your focus away from what truly matters—the road ahead.
Also read: Hottips Earbuds!