No, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 13B prohibits operating a vehicle while wearing headphones or earbuds that cover both ears, citing distracted driving risks. The law targets auditory interference with traffic awareness, enforced by local police and the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Violations incur fines up to $35, with no exceptions for hands-free devices unless explicitly permitted under federal regulations.
Key Regulations for Driving with Headphones in Massachusetts
- Dual-ear coverage ban: Wearing headphones or earbuds covering both ears is illegal, even for navigation or calls, per MGL c. 90, § 13B.
- Single-ear exemption: Using a headset covering only one ear is permitted if it does not impair spatial awareness, per 540 CMR 22.00 (Registry of Motor Vehicles guidelines).
- Emergency vehicle exception: Law enforcement, fire personnel, and EMS operators are exempt when performing official duties, as outlined in MGL c. 90, § 13B(b).
Local enforcement prioritizes this statute in high-traffic corridors like the Massachusetts Turnpike and I-93, aligning with 2026 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) distracted driving reduction initiatives. The RMV’s 2024 compliance bulletin emphasizes that even “smart” headphones triggering by voice commands may violate the statute if they occlude both ears. Municipalities such as Boston and Cambridge have issued supplementary advisories, reinforcing the ban’s strict interpretation.