Traffic Q&A: Books OK, but not with headphones
ROB CARSON
Question: I have a long commute and like to listen to recorded books with headphones. Am I breaking the law? What about earbuds? – Robert, Gorst
Answer: Can’t do it in Washington. The law (RCW 46.37.480) says: “No person shall operate any motor vehicle on a public highway while wearing any headset or earphones connected to any electronic device capable of receiving a radio broadcast or playing a sound recording for the purpose of transmitting a sound to the human auditory senses and which headset or earphones muffle or exclude other sounds.”
The rule doesn’t apply to hands-free wireless listening devices, as long as the device covers only one ear.
rob.carson@thenewstribune.com
253-597-8693
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