Whether it's legal to wear headphones while driving in the US depends entirely on which state you're in, according to a review of state laws. No US state bans headphone use while driving outright, but rules vary widely on whether both ears can be covered, with some states also linking headphone use to broader distracted-driving offences.

States including Arizona, Texas and Alabama impose no restrictions at all, even for headphones covering both ears, while Louisiana, California, Maryland and Washington prohibit using headphones in both ears simultaneously, permitting only a single earbud. Other states attach conditions: Colorado and Georgia allow one earbud only during phone calls, and Alaska makes an exception for GPS navigation. Even where headphones aren't explicitly restricted, using them alongside a phone can still breach distracted-driving laws in states such as Nevada and Michigan, and drivers involved in accidents while wearing headphones can face negligence claims and reduced compensation, even when not at fault. Given cars typically offer Bluetooth, AUX or USB connections, or a cheap FM adapter as an alternative, safety experts advise against wearing headphones while driving regardless of local legality.