Is it allowed to wear headphones while driving?
3 Answers
It is allowed to wear headphones while driving. New traffic regulations stipulate: The primary basis for penalizing making or receiving calls while driving is "holding a phone," meaning the hand is off the steering wheel. Therefore, wearing either wired headphones or Bluetooth headphones while driving is not considered a violation and does not incur penalty points. However, if using headphones to make or receive calls hinders safe driving, traffic police on-site may still issue an immediate warning, education, or penalty. Points to note while driving: While driving, one should remove accessories and pendants, avoid driving in high heels, refrain from hanging plush toys on windows, and maintain an arm's length distance between the seat and the steering wheel.
I never dare to wear headphones while driving, especially at high speeds, because even listening to music or navigation with one ear can easily distract me and shift my attention away from the road. Once while driving in the city, I was wearing headphones to listen to navigation instructions and ended up missing important information, nearly hitting a cyclist who suddenly appeared. Since then, I only use the car's built-in sound system or Bluetooth for phone calls to ensure I can hear ambient sounds like horns or emergency sirens. It's not just a personal habit—many traffic research reports show that distracted driving increases the risk of accidents. I always remind myself that safety comes first and to avoid any potential distractions that could affect my driving.
Wearing headphones while driving is a gray area legally, as regulations vary by region. From my experience driving in major cities, traffic rules in places like Beijing and Shanghai explicitly prohibit drivers from using earplug devices, as they block external sounds and impair environmental awareness. Violations may result in fines of several hundred yuan. Some foreign jurisdictions are slightly more lenient, but the overall trend leans toward restriction. Personally, I strictly comply, always concerned about potentially missing emergency vehicle sirens or roadside instructions. For navigation, I connect my phone to the car's Bluetooth system, which plays audio directly through the speakers—both safe and convenient. I recommend checking local traffic laws before hitting the road to avoid minor conveniences leading to major consequences.
