No, Arkansas law prohibits operating a motor vehicle while wearing headphones or earphones that cover both ears, as they impair auditory perception of traffic signals and emergency vehicles. Violations are classified as a Class C misdemeanor under Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-212, punishable by fines up to $100. Local ordinances in cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville may impose additional penalties, including license suspension for repeat offenses.
Key Regulations for Driving with Headphones in Arkansas
- Single-Ear Headphone Use Permitted: Drivers may wear headphones covering only one ear, provided the other ear remains unobstructed to detect ambient sounds.
- Emergency Vehicle Exemption: The ban does not apply to law enforcement, fire department, or emergency medical personnel performing official duties while using communication headsets.
- Commercial Vehicle Exception: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations preempt state law for interstate truckers, allowing headphone use for navigation or communication under 49 CFR § 392.82.
Arkansas State Police (ASP) enforces this statute via traffic stops, particularly in high-incident zones like Pulaski County. A 2026 legislative proposal seeks to align state law with NHTSA’s distracted driving guidelines, potentially expanding restrictions to include single-ear headphones. Until then, drivers risk citations for non-compliance, with penalties escalating under repeat violations.