During the holiday season, AAA estimates approximately 109.5 million Americans will embark on road trips. For those driving through Tennessee, a common question arises regarding the legality of wearing headphones while operating a vehicle.
Tennessee's Hands-Free Legislation
Tennessee enforces a hands-free regulation that prohibits drivers from holding mobile devices or texting. This law, established in 2019, aligns with bans in most states across the U.S., including territories like Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as noted by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Under Tennessee Code Section 55-8-199, drivers aged 18 and above are permitted to use earpieces, headphones, or wrist-worn devices for voice communication. This allowance represents one of the specific exceptions within the hands-free statute.
Age-Based Restrictions
However, the law imposes stricter rules for younger drivers. Individuals aged 16 and 17 are prohibited from using earbuds while driving. Tennessee maintains rigorous licensing requirements for teens, who must progress through learner's permits and intermediate licenses before obtaining an unrestricted regular license at age 18, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Although the hands-free law is separate from youth driving regulations, teenagers face additional limitations regarding headphone use.
Regional Legal Variations
Drivers should be aware that headphone regulations differ significantly by state. For instance, Virginia's Code Section 46.2-1078 completely bans wearing headphones in both ears while operating vehicles, including bicycles and mopeds on highways.
In Georgia, headphone use is restricted primarily to communication purposes, not for listening to music, as per Georgia Code Section 40-6-250. Even then, devices must not hinder the driver's hearing or vision.
Travelers crossing state lines should verify local laws, as some jurisdictions may permit only one earbud or prohibit them entirely.
