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Is it legal to wear headphones while driving in Oregon?
The stereo in my car rattles whenever I turn up the volume to a decent level. I don’t really have the money to fix it, so I use headphones to listen to podcasts and music while I’m driving around Portland. Is it legal to put in headphones if I live in Oregon?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
That sounds like a frustrating problem. Although Oregon updated its
distracted driving
laws in 2017, wearing headphones while driving is still perfectly legal.That being said, even though your stereo is broken and headphones are legal, driving with headphones isn’t exactly a safe idea. When you drive with headphones on, you can’t hear emergency vehicles, other motorists, trains, or other potential hazards. We recommend that you try to fix your stereo.
If you are short on cash, another alternative is to buy a Bluetooth speaker. The technology of Bluetooth speakers has grown exponentially in recent years. Just pair your phone to the speaker and you have a quick, cheap, and effective fix.
Watch out if you intend to cross state lines in the Pacific Northwest, though. Washington levies a $110 fine for wearing headphones while driving and California’s laws carry a $197 fine.
While insurance won’t fix an old stereo, it will let you legally drive from Portland to Bend to Eugene without any issues. If you haven’t reviewed your car insurance policy lately, check it now and compare your premium to rates you find on the
Jerry
app.As a licensed broker, Jerry helps you find and compare quotes from over 50 top providers in minutes. When you find a better rate, Jerry can help you buy your new coverage and even cancel your old policy!
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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