One Ear Only: Why California Says No to Earbuds While Driving

You’re cruising down the I-5, the sun is shining, the wind is blowing through your hair, and a new hit single is playing in your earbuds. Life is good. But wait a second—was that a siren you just heard, or was it playing in the background of your new favorite song? You take out one earbud and hear the clear sound of an ambulance’s siren approaching. In California, we consider your ears the unsung heroes of road safety. That’s why California Vehicle Code §27400 exists.

Why does Vehicle Code §27400 exist?

Because life is good, until you miss the sound of a fire truck’s siren, a honking car, or a pedestrian’s shout and the world falls apart in seconds. California Vehicle Code §27400 is the law that saves you from yourself by banning headsets or earbuds in both ears while driving or biking. This ensures you can hear vital sounds like emergency vehicle sirens, car horns, and other important auditory cues that keep you and others safe.

Why Should You Care?

1. Safety First, Always: Emergency vehicles aren’t invisible, but their sirens might as well be if you’re sealed off from the world with your headphones. Not hearing them can lead to delays and even dangerous situations.
2. Horn Happy: Let’s face it, drivers are honking for a reason—usually to warn you. Whether it’s a car about to run a red light or a pedestrian stepping into the street, those honks are lifesavers.
3. Costly Consequences: If you ignore California Vehicle Code §27400, you could end up with a fine that’s definitely not music to your ears.
4. Record Wrecked: You can even receive a point on your record! Watch out and listen up because, if you’re covering both ears, the purpose behind those sirens could be a police pulling you over for violating California Vehicle Code §27400.

Exceptions Exist!

Got hearing aids? Need ear protection for work? Using a single-ear headset for calls? You’re in the clear. California Vehicle Code §27400 isn’t about cutting you off from the world—it’s about keeping you connected in the safest way possible.

Spreading the Word

To keep our roads safe, we need to spread the word about Vehicle Code §27400. You can help out by following the law, sharing this blog with friends and family, or posting on social media to let others know how dangerous it is to drive with obstructed hearing. Let’s prioritize safe driving to make memories, not accidents.

Here’s where you can read the code yourself.

Injured by a driver wearing earbuds or headphones? Better Call Sahar.