Can you wear headphones or earbuds while driving in the car?
What does the law say about headphones and earbuds while driving?
In the Netherlands, it is not explicitly prohibited to wear headphones or earphones while driving. However, it is prohibited to hold a device, such as a phone, while driving a vehicle. This also applies to cyclists. So listening to music is allowed, but only through a hands-free connection or a built-in audio system in the car.
However, the use of headphones or earbuds can cause distractions. By law, a driver must always be able to safely operate the vehicle and pay attention to traffic. Sound isolation from music or podcasts can pose a risk in this regard and distract you from traffic, leading to dangerous situations.
How do headphones and earbuds affect road safety?
The main consequence of using headphones or earphones while driving is reduced perception of ambient noise. Think of emergency vehicle sirens or horns of other road users. Sound plays a crucial role in traffic because it helps you assess situations that are out of your field of vision.
Ford research shows that wearing headphones while driving can lead to slower responses in emergency situations. In addition, you are more likely to be distracted when focusing entirely on music or a podcast. Noise-cancelling headphones increase this risk because they actively muffle ambient noise. With earphones, the risk is slightly lower, especially if you only use one earpiece, but even then, hearing important sounds remains limited.
Although not prohibited in the Netherlands, wearing headphones or earphones while driving remains a risky choice. Road safety for yourself and others must always come first.
What about rules in other countries?
It is important to familiarize yourself with the rules of the country you are driving in, especially if you are planning a road trip across Europe. This is because other countries often have different, stricter rules around the use of headphones and earbuds in traffic:
- France: It is illegal to wear headphones or earphones while driving. This is subject to a fine.
- Germany: The use of earphones or headphones is permitted as long as it does not interfere with the driver’s ability to perceive sounds in traffic.
- Belgium: As in the Netherlands, the use of headphones and earphones is not specifically prohibited.
What are alternatives to safe music listening in the car?
Still want to enjoy music or a podcast while driving? Then there are safer alternatives. Pair your phone with your car’s built-in audio system. This allows you to listen to music hands-free without completely shutting off your ears. You can do this via bluetooth, an aux cable, Apple CarPlay or Android Automotive.
If your car’s audio system does not have the above options, don’t be alarmed. There are special converters that link a bluetooth signal to a specific frequency on your radio. You plug the converter into the 12V jack, connect your phone or other device via bluetooth, and your music plays on the selected frequency on the radio.
Conclusion
Wearing headphones or earbuds while driving is allowed in the Netherlands, but it can affect your attention in traffic. Therefore, it carries an additional risk. You may miss important sounds, endangering road safety. In some countries, the use of headphones is even prohibited. Consider safer alternatives such as a built-in audio system or use a bluetooth connection. That way you stay alert and can still enjoy music while driving.