Can You Legally Wear Headphones While Driving in Missouri?

I see it all the time, drivers wearing headphones or AirPods while behind the wheel. But how are you supposed to hear an emergency vehicle approaching or other important sounds around you if you're listening through headphones?

That got me wondering: Is it actually illegal to wear headphones or AirPods while driving in Missouri?

Is It Legal to Drive With Headphones in Missouri?

The simple answer is yes, it is currently legal.

Missouri does not have a state law specifically prohibiting drivers from wearing headphones or AirPods while operating a vehicle. However, that doesn't mean wearing them is necessarily a good idea.

Headphones can be distracting and may make it more difficult for drivers to hear important sounds, such as emergency vehicle sirens, horns, or other warnings from nearby vehicles.

Missouri's "Hands-Free Law" is also aimed at reducing distracted driving. While the law focuses on how drivers use electronic devices rather than specifically banning headphones, drivers are encouraged to use hands-free features such as Bluetooth when they need to make calls or interact with their devices while driving.

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Why Are Headphones a Driving Distraction?

When I'm driving, I seem to notice more and more people, especially younger drivers, wearing headphones or AirPods behind the wheel.

I don't understand the need for them when most vehicles already have Bluetooth, radios, or other ways to listen to music and take calls without blocking out surrounding sounds.

One of my biggest concerns is emergency vehicles. If you're wearing headphones and have the volume turned up, you could potentially miss a police car, ambulance, or fire truck approaching from behind.

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And while traditional headphones are pretty easy to spot, AirPods can be much harder to notice. As wireless earbuds continue to get smaller and more discreet, it could become even more difficult to tell whether someone is wearing them while driving.

Could Missouri Ban Headphones While Driving?

Could Missouri eventually pass a law banning headphones or earbuds behind the wheel? It's possible, but for now, there is no statewide law specifically prohibiting them.

If lawmakers begin seeing more evidence connecting headphones and earbuds to distracted-driving crashes or other safety concerns, we could eventually see legislation addressing their use.

For now, though, wearing headphones or AirPods while driving in Missouri is not illegal. That doesn't necessarily mean it's the safest choice.

After all, being able to hear what's happening around you can be just as important as keeping your eyes on the road.