There is no denying that listening to music or podcasts can make a long drive more enjoyable. But is it legal to drive with headphones in Nevada? While laws vary from state to state, it is important to understand the laws and regulations of your particular state before you hit the road wearing headphones.
If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident while wearing headphones or the other party involved was wearing headphones at the time of the crash, you might want to contact an attorney to determine whether or not the headphones were a contributory factor in your crash. Our Las Vegas traffic accident attorneys at H&P Law can help you investigate the facts of your accident to determine fault in your particular case.
Is it Legal or Illegal in Nevada?
In Nevada, it is not illegal for drivers to operate motor vehicles while wearing headphones. In fact, driving with headphones is also legal in the vast majority of other states. Only a few states actually make it illegal to operate a vehicle while wearing headphones.
However, if you wear headphones or earbuds connected to your phone or another handheld electronic device and have to hold the device in your hands to search for a track or podcast, you could be violating Nevada’s distracted driving law. According to the Nevada State Police Office of Traffic Safety, it is illegal for drivers to use a cellular phone or another handheld electronic wireless device to talk, send/receive messages, or search the Internet unless they use a hands-free accessory to do so.
Common Safety Hazards Associated With Wearing Headphones While Driving
The main concern associated with wearing headphones while driving is not hearing potential danger around you—particularly emergency sirens and honking horns from other cars. When you are unaware of your surroundings, it can increase your risk of an accident or collision on the road. In addition, having both ears covered by headphones can make it difficult for drivers to detect potential people or objects coming into their path of vision.
Also, if you wear headphones or earbuds connected to your phone or another electronic device through the wire, the wire could get tangled or wrapped around the steering wheel, which increases the risk of you losing control of the vehicle.
Safety Tips for Drivers With Headphones
If you are going to drive while wearing headphones, there are some safety tips you should keep in mind:
- Set your volume low enough that you can still hear ambient noise. This is especially important if you are listening on both ears, as one ear will be covering up sound that could be vital for safety on the road.
- If possible, stick to one earbud so that there is still an open space where sound can come in without interruption. This also ensures that both ears remain alert and vigilant while driving.
- Avoid listening to genres of music that have lyrics that might distract you from focusing on the road ahead or encourage you to drive recklessly (aggressive or stimulating music). Instrumental music might be better suited for safe headphone use when driving as there are fewer distractions from lyrics or song content.
As you can see, there are certain safety considerations and tips drivers should keep in mind when driving with headphones to minimize the risk of accidents.
Speak With an Attorney to Discuss Your Case
If you were involved in a traffic accident where headphones or other accessories or electronic devices might have played a role, consider speaking with an attorney. Our attorneys at H&P Law can investigate your crash and help you determine whether or not your or the other driver’s fault contributed to your accident. Call (702) 598-4529 today to get a consultation.
