Is it Illegal to Drive With Headphones in Texas?

Texas has no specific rule barring vehicle owners from using headphones while driving. However, a driver who causes a distracted driving incident, like failing to yield, may be guilty of a traffic offense.

Although headphones may be a source of entertainment, they distract drivers from the road, increasing the likelihood of crashes. In addition to cognitive distraction associated with headphones, you can take your hands and eyes off the road while adjusting your playlist.

Consider speaking to a trusted Dripping Springs, TX, car accident attorney if you’ve sustained an injury involving a distracted driver.

Does Texas Law Prohibit Headset Use While Driving?

Texas is not among the states with strict rules prohibiting using headphones while driving. However, the state has several laws that regulate other types of electronic and cell phone use.

For example, texting and driving is illegal everywhere in Texas, with some cities banning cell phone use while driving. The penalty for texting and driving is $99 for the first offense and $200 for a subsequent violation. A law enforcement officer can impose a substantially higher fine if you cause an accident because of distracted driving.

Cell Phone Laws in Texas

• You cannot send or receive an electronic message while driving in Texas
• Using a handheld device while driving near a school zone is illegal in Texas
• Drivers under 18 years are restricted from using handheld devices
• Drivers with learner’s permits are restricted from using cell phones in their six months of driving
• School bus drivers may not use cell phones if children are on board.

Drivers can stay safe by entirely pulling off the road and coming to a complete stop before talking or texting on their phones.

Why Headphones And Earbuds Are Dangerous For Drivers

Any obstruction to your sense of hearing can affect your ability to drive safely. Headphones and earbuds impede a driver’s situational awareness. Usually, earbuds block surrounding noise, making it difficult to sense danger.

While listening to music on your headphones, you may not notice when a vehicle develops mechanical problems or traffic noises, such as emergency sirens. As a result, car accidents are more likely to occur because the driver’s ability to respond to danger is limited.

It only takes a momentary lapse of concentration for the vehicle in front to apply emergency brakes or for a passenger to run into the road. A driver using headphones or earbuds has divided attention and can cause a car accident, leading to severe injuries and property damage.

Some of the common injuries resulting from distracted drivers include:

• Back Injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck Injuries
• Internal injuries
• Broken limbs
• Fractured and broken bones
• Facial injuries
• Limb loss and amputation
• Shoulder Injuries
• Lacerations

Injured By A Driver With Headphones? Contact A Texas Car Accident Attorney

Although you deserve compensation after sustaining an injury involving a distracted driver, you must demonstrate liability. An experienced attorney can gather various sources of evidence to establish fault on the other driver’s part. York Law APC is a trusted law firm with a proven track record of winning cases for injured victims.

Contact us online or at (619) 233-1033 for a free consultation.

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Steven Ray York who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.