Can you legally use headphones or earbuds while driving in PA? See what the law says

Matt DiSanto
·2 min read

Queuing up your favorite podcast or playlist can offer much-needed entertainment while driving, especially if you face a long commute each day.

If you have thought about driving while taking a phone call or listening to your entertainment of choice, you are not alone. But using certain devices behind the wheel — including earbuds, over-ear headphones and even name-brand AirPods — might put you at odds with the law in Pennsylvania and more than a dozen other U.S. states.

Here’s what you need to know if you are considering using personal audio devices while behind the wheel in Pennsylvania.

What does Pennsylvania law say about driving while using headphones?

According to commonwealth code, it is illegal for drivers in Pennsylvania to operate a vehicle while wearing or using “one or more headphones or earphones.” Getting caught driving with those devices in your ears could result in a ticket.

“Anything that affects your ability to hear can be a distraction while driving,” the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation wrote in a 2020 Facebook post covering the commonwealth’s headphones law.

Pennsylvania law does not prohibit behind-the-wheel use of hearing aids or other devices that improve driver hearing. Additionally, drivers can use headphones or earbuds in only one ear for phone calls. Drivers of emergency vehicles are allowed to use some communication equipment, too.

Is there a penalty for texting and driving in Pennsylvania?

Yes. While you might get ticketed for operating a vehicle with headphones in place, you could face even harsher punishments for texting and driving in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania law prohibits the use of interactive wireless communication devices (including cell phones, computers or personal digital assistants) to read or write text-based messages while driving. These regulations do not apply to GPS devices or drivers making voice-based phone calls through hand-held or hands-free devices.

Drivers who are caught texting and driving in Pennsylvania face a summary offense punishable by a $50 fine, plus potential court costs and fees. Notably, violations are not recorded on driving records for noncommercial drivers, PennDOT says.

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Staying safe on Pennsylvania’s roads

PennDOT maintains an array of guides and brochures offering safety tips for Pennsylvania drivers, all available online at no cost.

To put things simply, the agency encourages drivers to “Start SMART” and “Stay SMART” — a series of acronyms offering straightforward safety tips.

Start SMART

  • S — Seat belt on, seat adjusted

  • M — Mirrors adjusted and clear

  • A — Air conditioning, heating and defrost panels set

  • R — Radio and audio panel set

  • T — Thoroughly check the area for traffic, people and objects

Stay SMART

  • S — Watch your speed

  • M — Frequently check your mirrors

  • A — Avoid distractions

  • R — Remember the rules of the road

  • T — Give yourself enough time to reach your destination