Headphones while driving - is that allowed?
Headphones when driving a car can be very useful, for example to make phone calls or listen to your personal favorite music without disturbing other car occupants. This practical tip explains whether headphones are allowed at the wheel.
Are headphones allowed when driving a car?
The question of whether headphones are allowed when driving a vehicle or not can be investigated using the Road Traffic Ordinance (StVO). Unfortunately, this law is not clear:
- Paragraph 23, paragraph 1 of the StVO begins with the sentence "Anyone who drives a vehicle is responsible for ensuring that his vision and hearing are not impaired by the crew, animals, cargo, equipment or the condition of the vehicle".
- Paragraph 1 of the StVO, entitled "Basic Rules", states that participation in road traffic requires constant caution and mutual respect.
- Strictly speaking, even open headphones impair your hearing - at least a little. However, this can also apply to hats and loose long hair. A hearing aid also affects hearing, albeit in a positive way.
- Where exactly an impairment begins is not clearly defined in the law and is ultimately a matter of interpretation. However, German case law requires that a person act sensibly, so it's best to think about the following:
- What is the risk of hearing impairment? There is of course the danger of ignoring the horn, siren or brake squeal and therefore reacting too late or not at all. In addition, loud sound can lead to terrible movements and permanent sound can lead to a decrease in concentration. Of course, this danger also exists when the loudspeaker is too loud.
- When is this danger given? That is of course the crux of the matter. If you sonicate your ears so loudly that the earphone signal covers dangerous traffic signals, it is undoubtedly dangerous. With quiet or very quiet headphones, there may be no danger. Rather, rely on your own judgment and be careful rather than forgiving.
- Headphones when driving are not generally prohibited by law. Nevertheless, in the event of an accident, an expert can conclude that your headphones were careless, impaired your hearing, and the accident could have been prevented if the headphones were not used.
In further CHIP online practical tips, we will introduce you to healthy headphone types and the most suitable headphones for sleeping, jogging and even bathing and swimming.