Q: Another traffic question - headphones

[HalfEvil]

I commute on a motorcycle, and I either wear ear plugs or ear buds (w/ music on) to prevent wind damage.

I stop by a gun shop all the time with LEO's there, no one has ever commented on the ear buds. I assumed since deaf people can drive, the state isn't that concerned about being able to hear.

[The Nomadd]

So what if your cell phone's hands-free happens to use two earbuds? If I recall, the one time I actually used it, I was hearing the conversation in both ears. I would think if it's how the hands-free is designed, they wouldn't be able to cite you on it, especially since the phone has a proprietary jack, so it's not like I can go buy an aftermarket with just one earbud.

[retired]

So what if your cell phone's hands-free happens to use two earbuds? If I recall, the one time I actually used it, I was hearing the conversation in both ears. I would think if it's how the hands-free is designed, they wouldn't be able to cite you on it, especially since the phone has a proprietary jack, so it's not like I can go buy an aftermarket with just one earbud.

Just because a business sells something, it does not mean it is legal to use it. Since the code cited above by lorax3 states you can't have ear plugs in both ears, with certain exceptions, you could be cited.

It is the same thing with exhaust systems. Many businesses sell products that will increase the sound of the exhaust in violation of 27151vc, but that does not mean it is legal.

You should ensure that what you intend to purchase is in compliance with the law so you are not possibly cited. Just my advice.

[The Nomadd]

Just because a business sells something, it does not mean it is legal to use it. Since the code cited above by lorax3 states you can't have ear plugs in both ears, with certain exceptions, you could be cited.

It is the same thing with exhaust systems. Many businesses sell products that will increase the sound of the exhaust in violation of 27151vc, but that does not mean it is legal.

You should ensure that what you intend to purchase is in compliance with the law so you are not possibly cited. Just my advice.

Very true. I just asked, cause this is the headset that came with the phone. Having used it, I can say it's a POS design anyways. I generally don't take calls anyways while driving, because as nuts as a lot of divers are, I prefer to keep my attention on them.
Heh, I have been known to yell "hang up the phone and DRIVE! You're NOT that important!" to idiots who are more focused on their conversation that driving.
although this brings up another thing that's bugging me. While we have this law, why is it I've been seeing a LOT of LEO's talking on their phones while driving? I would assume that LEO's would not be exempt from it, since they can just as easily get into an accident, due to phone usage, as a civilian. Plus, they have radios, why do they need to be using their phones while driving?

[mej16489]

Very true. I just asked, cause this is the headset that came with the phone. Having used it, I can say it's a POS design anyways. I generally don't take calls anyways while driving, because as nuts as a lot of divers are, I prefer to keep my attention on them.
Heh, I have been known to yell "hang up the phone and DRIVE! You're NOT that important!" to idiots who are more focused on their conversation that driving.
although this brings up another thing that's bugging me. While we have this law, why is it I've been seeing a LOT of LEO's talking on their phones while driving? I would assume that LEO's would not be exempt from it, since they can just as easily get into an accident, due to phone usage, as a civilian. Plus, they have radios, why do they need to be using their phones while driving?

There is an exemption to the law for LEOs. Ditto for the 'no texting' law

23123. (a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a
wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and
configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in
that manner while driving.
...
(d) This section does not apply to an emergency services
professional using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized
emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and
scope of his or her duties.

[retired]

Very true. I just asked, cause this is the headset that came with the phone. Having used it, I can say it's a POS design anyways. I generally don't take calls anyways while driving, because as nuts as a lot of divers are, I prefer to keep my attention on them.
Heh, I have been known to yell "hang up the phone and DRIVE! You're NOT that important!" to idiots who are more focused on their conversation that driving.
although this brings up another thing that's bugging me. While we have this law, why is it I've been seeing a LOT of LEO's talking on their phones while driving? I would assume that LEO's would not be exempt from it, since they can just as easily get into an accident, due to phone usage, as a civilian. Plus, they have radios, why do they need to be using their phones while driving?

I was intending to answer both questions, but mej16489 took care of the first part. As to the second question, scanners are widely sold and bought. There are many people, including bad guys, who listen to the frequencies of the lea in their area while committing their crimes.

Often times, leos will contact their dispatch to ask a particular question concerning a call or perhaps provide info that can go out on the mdts to other leos that shouldn't go over the radio. If a leo is rolling to a hot call, he won't have the ability to type the info into the mdt or computer, whereas he could via phone.