Are headphones legal while driving in Washington?

KENNEWICK — In 2000, Washington launched the Target Zero as the state’s Strategic Highway Safety plan, a multi-decade effort to minimize traffic fatalities. It identifies the top concerns on Washington roadways and uses campaigns to decrease their frequency. New plans, campaigns and priorities emerge on a regular basis, all focused on protecting the state’s drivers, with the ultimate goal of reaching zero deaths and serious injuries on Washington’s roadways by 2030.

One current priority identified by Target Zero is distracted driving. There are three kinds of distracted driving, according to the campaign:

• Cognitive distraction: When the driver’s mind is not focused on driving
• Visual distraction: When the driver looks away from the road
• Manual distraction: When the driver takes one hand, or both, off the wheel for any reason

Many scenarios can constitute distracted driving, so long as they fall under one of those categories. For example, this is why drivers cannot watch video while on the road, as it can contribute to both cognitive and visual distraction.

What about headphones or earbuds? With the rise of bluetooth earpieces, can you drive with them in? Here’s what Washington’s law says:

In general, headphones are not permitted for drivers in Washington.

Exceptions apply for:

• Students and instructors in a Washington motorcycle safety program
• Authorized emergency vehicles
• Motorcyclists wearing a helmet with built-in headsets that are approved by the Washington State Patrol
• Drivers using hands-free, wireless communication systems that are approved by the Washington State Patrol

Audio devices can contribute to cognitive distraction on the road, and potentially manual distraction. Hands-free devices must require one tap only for use, according to state guidelines. Anything that needs more than one tap for use cannot be used while driving.

However, using headsets or earphones in just one ear does not constitute a violation of the RCW. If you’re using only one AirPod, a single-ear device or only one side of your headphones, you are not breaking the law, according to Trooper Chris Thorson, Public Information Officer for the Washington State Patrol.