Traffic laws that cover distracted driving have gotten tougher in California, for a good reason. The state already has several laws in place banning the use of cellphones while driving. Recent tweaks are prohibiting the use of accessories, such as headphones, earbuds and Airpods, while behind the wheel.
If you want to avoid traffic tickets in California, it might be a good idea to know what these laws are.
California Laws on Phone and Mobile Device Use While Driving
California has laws that prohibit drivers from using handheld phones while driving. The most recent law implemented in 2017 also bans any use of a smartphone behind the wheel, even if you are not on the phone to make a call. The law was implemented to prevent any phone use whatsoever while one is driving, as a response to the alarming rise in distracted driving incidents in Sacramento and the rest of the state.
However, it does allow hands-free use, as long as the phone is mounted on the dash-board. Another law prevents the use of headphones and earbuds while biking or driving, since this could also impair audio cues needed to safely drive a car. California laws specify that it is still legal to use earbuds such as Airbuds but only on one ear. Pop both in and you could be fined.
Fines and Ticket Costs
In California, tickets cost $161 for every case of texting or calling on the phone while driving. The first offense also makes the offender liable for a $20 fine. A $50 base fine is meted out for the second and third offenses, but what the offender actually pays could be higher once assessments are added. For specific cases of using Airbuds or any type of headphone on both ears, whether it’s to take a call or just listen to music, you can also get fined for as high as $160.
Apple Airpods Do and Don’t While Driving
Apple Airpods are likely covered under California’s distracted driving law since these serve the same purpose as headphones. In fact, a new law specifically banning the use of earbuds was put into effect at the beginning of 2016, effectively limiting the use of this accessory while on the road. This move reinforced the existing safeguards against any risk of distraction that could come from the use of any mobile device.
If you have the habit of popping both headphones or earbuds in even if you are traveling at safe speeds, it’s better to kick these habits to the curb to avoid hefty fines in the future. Here are a couple of Do’s and Dont’s you need to keep in mind.
1. Do use your car’s microphone and speakers to take calls. This eliminates the need to use earphones or earbuds while driving.
2. Wear just one earbud when driving if you must do so. This leaves your other ear free to listen to traffic, motorists signals and other important audio cues you need to drive safely.
3. Do buy and install a holder for your phone. This is a requirement if you want to be able to take hands-free calls while driving.
4. Do take advantage of other iPod features. iPods have nifty features such as voice activated dialing that makes making calls easier and safer to do.
5. Do use the car stereo to listen to music. While Airpods and earbuds can give you a great listening experience. you can take advantage of the car’s music system to stay entertained while being safe on the road.
Dont’s
1. Do not wear both earbuds when driving. This is illegal and is grounds for fines and other penalties.
2. Do not answer your mobile when it’s not in hands-free mode. If your phone is not connected to the car’s sound and microphone system, pull over to take the call.
3. Don’t answer every hands-free call. As a safety measure, consider which calls need to be answered and which do not. Experts recommend choosing to let a call to go voicemail if you are driving through heavy traffic, at a busy intersection, driving in bad weather, or poor roads. You need to concentrate on the road during these times and taking a call could be a distraction that increases your chances of getting into an accident.
Earbuds like Apple’s Airpods are a useful accessory that allows you to take calls and listen to music even if you are behind the wheel. However, it is important to comply with the specific legal requirements when it comes to use of this accessory, such as the restriction of use to only one ear, to ensure that you can safely assess the situation on the road as you drive.