LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — With Arkansans joining the millions of Americans hitting the road over this long holiday weekend, we spoke with state officials about whether or not drivers are allowed to wear earbuds or headphones while operating a vehicle.
In recent years, Arkansas law has targeted distracted driving, focusing on the use of cell phones and texting while behind the wheel.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, any behavior that diverts a driver’s attention from the road in front of them is considered risky.
The agency confirmed that in 2021, more than 3,500 people were killed, and an estimated 362,000 others were hurt in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.
According to Arkansas State Police, while there are no laws specifying earbud or headphone use, wearing them while driving can be an additional distraction that could quickly result in tragedy.
“There's not a specific statute that says you cannot wear earbuds or headphones. However, we highly discourage it because most headphones and earbuds cut out all the ambient noise around you," explained Captain Brad Lann of the Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division.
So while you may not be breaking the law by wearing earbuds or headphones in the car, it could still impair your awareness in dangerous ways.
"And by having those on, you will not be able to hear somebody honking at you, or an emergency vehicle coming up behind you with their siren on, to warn you to move over," Captain Lann added.
However, it’s possible that as technology continues to evolve, the issue could eventually be addressed by state lawmakers.