Can a Truck Driver Wear Headphones While Driving in Ohio?

If you share the road with large commercial trucks, and we all do, you may have wondered, “Can truck drivers wear headphones while driving in Ohio?” It’s a good question that comes up more often than you might think. With so many drivers relying on their GPS, music, or hands-free calling devices, it’s important to understand what Ohio law allows, especially for commercial drivers.

At Soroka & Associates, our Columbus truck accident attorneys often see how distracted driving can lead to devastating accidents. One major source of distraction is headphone use. Let’s see what the law says, why it matters, and how it could affect your truck accident case.

What does Ohio law say about headphones while driving?

Let’s begin with the law itself. Per Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.84, drivers are not allowed to wear earphones or earplugs in both ears while operating a motor vehicle. So, what does that mean in practice? If a truck driver is using both earbuds or over-the-ear headphones, they are violating state law. However, using just one earbud is typically allowed.

Remember, this law applies to all drivers, not just truckers. However, commercial drivers have additional responsibilities and are held to a higher standard because of the size and danger of the vehicles they operate.

Why does this law exist?

The purpose of this law is simple – safety.

Driving a vehicle, especially a semi-truck, requires full awareness of one’s surroundings. Drivers must be able to hear emergency vehicle sirens, horns from nearby vehicles, railroad crossing alerts, or sounds from their vehicle, like engine problems or tire blowouts.

When you have headphones in both ears, it becomes much more difficult to hear these important warning signs. And, if you can’t hear them, your response time could be delayed, or you may not react at all.

Are there exceptions to this law?

Most drivers must follow this law, but there are a few exceptions. Ohio law allows headphone or earplug use in both ears for:

• People using hearing aids
• Police officers, emergency medical personnel, and firefighters on duty
• Highway maintenance or refuse collection workers
• Motorcyclists using hearing protection

But if a person is driving a commercial truck and doesn’t fall into any of these categories, they are expected to follow the rule.

What about Bluetooth devices?

Many truckers use Bluetooth devices to stay connected on the road. Under Ohio law, and according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), hands-free communication is allowed, as long as:

• The device is used in only one ear
• The driver doesn’t have to hold the phone to talk
• The driver can operate their device with a single button press

So, truck drivers can still talk on the phone using a hands-free Bluetooth earpiece, but only in one ear. This is a key distinction – Bluetooth earpieces are often small and designed for one-ear use, which makes them a better (and legal) choice over traditional headphones.

What do the federal trucking rules say?

In addition to Ohio law, commercial truck drivers must follow federal safety rules from the FMCSA. The FMCSA bans truck drivers from texting while driving, holding a phone to make a call, and using multiple-button devices that require reaching or holding.

The agency hasn’t specifically banned the use of headphones; however, they do emphasize that any behavior that distracts a driver from safely operating their vehicle is dangerous and can be penalized. Because of this, many trucking companies have internal policies that prohibit headphone use altogether. They want to limit their liability and reduce the risks of accidents on the job.

What are the dangers of headphone use behind the wheel?

Let’s talk about the real-world risks of wearing headphones while driving, especially when operating a vehicle as large and heavy as a commercial truck.

Sensory deprivation

Driving requires more than just sight. You need your hearing, too. Headphones can block out important sounds, which can be dangerous. According to AAA, drivers who wear headphones are less likely to hear emergency sirens, respond to nearby crashes, or detect changes in road conditions.

Slower reaction times

A study published by the National Safety Council (NSC) found that hands-free devices don’t eliminate distractions. Even if your hands are on the wheel, your brain may still be distracted by what you’re listening to. Add headphones that block out sound and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

Increased crash risk

According to data from the NSC, distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022 alone. While many of these crashes were related to phones, any activity which takes your attention off the road can increase the risk of a crash, including headphone use.

The real consequences of headphone use while driving

Let’s say a truck driver causes an accident while wearing headphones in both ears. What happens next?

• Violating Ohio’s headphone law is a minor misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $150. If the driver has prior offenses within the same year, this could be upgraded to a more serious offense with heavier fines or even jail time.
• Many trucking companies will take disciplinary action, even if the driver wasn’t formally cited. This could mean a suspension, loss of driving privileges, or even termination.
• In an accident case, wearing headphones in both ears could be seen as negligence. If someone is hurt or killed, the truck driver and their employer may face lawsuits, increased insurance premiums, or both.

How does headphone use affect Columbus trucking accident cases?

At Soroka & Associates, we’ve seen firsthand how headphone use can play a role in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. If a trucker is found to have been wearing headphones in both ears during a crash, it can support the argument that the driver was distracted or negligent. In civil court, that can mean increased damages for the victim, a higher chance that the driver or their company will be found liable, and additional claims for reckless or willful behavior.

What are some tips for staying legal on the road?

Here are some ways to stay on the right side of the law:

• Use a single-ear Bluetooth earpiece for hands-free calls
• Avoid over-the-ear headphones or earbuds in both ears
• Keep your phone mounted and avoid multitasking
• Focus on the road and pull over if you need to take a call or adjust navigation

So, can a truck driver wear headphones while driving in Ohio? Not in both ears. Ohio law clearly prohibits it, and while using one earbud is generally acceptable, safety should always come first. Driving a commercial truck is a huge responsibility. With so many lives at stake – yours, your passengers’, and those of everyone on the road – it’s simply not worth the risk.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash involving a distracted truck driver, Soroka & Associates is here to help. Our experienced Columbus truck accident attorneys know how to investigate these cases and fight for the compensation you deserve. Please call us today or submit our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our lawyers.