Can you drive with headphones or earbuds for music?

While driving, the Highway Code prohibits using headphones. Its hands-free or earpiece exception requires free hands and adequate hearing in both ears.

Headphones for music: the prohibition

Article 173 prohibits drivers from using sound headphones while the vehicle is moving. The rule is not limited to large over-ear headphones: earbuds used as headphones for listening to music can also fall under the ban. Turning the volume down or leaving one ear free does not turn music listening into the exception for phone communication.

The Code allows a hands-free device or an earpiece when the driver has adequate hearing in both ears and the device works without the hands. This exception is for communication, not a general permission to wear headphones for music, podcasts or entertainment audio. If you are unsure whether a device complies, avoid using it while driving and check the wording of article 173.

Choose audio that requires no interaction

To listen to music in a car, use the vehicle's audio system, set before departure and at a level that does not impair attention or awareness of signals. For a call, configure hands-free before moving; do not hold the phone or touch the screen to change a track, volume or recipient while driving. If you need to change the settings, stop somewhere parking is permitted and safe.

The legal distinction is between sound headphones and the specific hands-free communication device, subject to adequate hearing; it is not simply whether a device is wireless. For example, Bluetooth earbuds used for a playlist are different from an earpiece used for a phone call within the permitted conditions. Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps review article 173 and B rules through chapters, quizzes, explanations and error review; it does not approve personal accessories for use while driving.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps review B rules through chapters, quizzes, explanations and error review, without recommending personal driving accessories.