Traffic tip: Driving with earbuds is against the law

LEONARDTOWN, Md. – In an effort to promote awareness of state traffic laws, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office posts excerpts of the 2018-2019 edition of The Maryland Vehicle Law Annotated on Tuesdays.

Adhering to the law will make roadways in St. Mary’s County and in Maryland safer for drivers, passengers, bicyclists, horse-and-buggy operators and pedestrians.

#TrafficTipTuesdays

Earphones, headphones:

Sec. 21-1120 “A person may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway or on any private property that is used by the public in general in this State while the person is wearing over or in both ears earplugs … over or in both ears a headset … over or in both ears earphones attached to a radio, tape player or other audio device.” Exceptions include safety earplugs, hearing aids and headsets used for communicating with other emergency personnel.

Drivers wearing headphones or earphones face a $60 ticket and one point assessed on a license or a $100 ticket and three points if contributing to an accident.