No. New Jersey prohibits driving with headphones covering both ears under N.J.S.A. 39:4-12.4, citing distracted driving risks. Local enforcement agencies, including the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety, actively monitor compliance, with penalties escalating under 2026 amendments targeting repeat offenders.
Key Regulations for Driving with Headphones in New Jersey
- Single-ear devices permitted: Only headphones covering one ear are legal, provided they do not impair auditory perception of traffic signals or emergency vehicles.
- Exceptions for safety equipment: Headphones may be used if integrated into hearing aids or required for medical conditions, with documentation from a licensed practitioner.
- Local enforcement discretion: Municipal police departments, such as those in Newark or Jersey City, may issue citations even for partial ear coverage if deemed hazardous under N.J.S.A. 39:4-12.4(b).
Violations incur fines up to $200 for first offenses, with subsequent infractions subject to higher penalties under N.J.S.A. 39:5-36. The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission may impose license points for habitual offenders, aligning with 2026’s stricter distracted driving enforcement framework.