No, Michigan law prohibits wearing headphones or earbuds while driving, classifying it as a distraction under MCL 257.602b. The statute explicitly bans covering both ears with headphones or earplugs, with exceptions only for hearing aids or single-ear devices used for navigation or communication. Violations carry a civil infraction penalty of up to $100. Local jurisdictions, including the Michigan State Police and Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation, enforce this strictly, particularly in high-traffic corridors like I-94 and I-75. A 2026 legislative review may expand restrictions to include wireless earbuds under broader distracted driving reforms.
Key Regulations for Driving with Headphones in Michigan
- Complete Coverage Ban: MCL 257.602b prohibits covering both ears with headphones or earplugs, regardless of volume or intent. Single-ear devices remain permissible only for hands-free calls or navigation.
- Exceptions Narrowly Defined: Hearing aids and single-ear headsets used for directional guidance (e.g., GPS) are exempt, but these must not impair auditory perception of traffic sounds.
- Enforcement Priorities: The Michigan State Police prioritize citations in work zones and areas with documented pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, aligning with the 2023 “Toward Zero Deaths” initiative. Local ordinances, such as Detroit’s Mobility Innovation Plan, may impose additional penalties.