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Can I wear AirPods or a Bluetooth headset while driving in Florida? The answer may surprise you

Trooper Steve answers viewer questions about Florida traffic laws

ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions and shares tips about the rules of the road, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.

Trooper Steve on Thursday was asked, “Can I wear my AirPods or Bluetooth headset while driving?”

In short, the answer is yes AND no.

There’s a Florida statute that covers this topic.

Florida statute 316.304 limits how headphones should be worn while operating a car,” Trooper Steve said. “At no point should you have both ears occupied by some type of electric device.”

The statute says, “No person shall operate a vehicle while wearing a headset, headphone, or other listening device, other than a hearing aid or instrument for the improvement of defective human hearing.” But it then adds that it does not apply in several cases, including, “Any person using a headset in conjunction with a cellular telephone that only provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other ear.”

Trooper Steve says drivers should be careful if they choose to occupy one ear with a device.

If you have a question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.

For more Ask Trooper Steve content, click or tap here.


About the Authors
Steve Montiero headshot

Steven Montiero, better known as “Trooper Steve," joined the News 6 morning team as its Traffic Safety Expert in October 2017. A Central Florida native and decorated combat veteran, Montiero comes to the station following an eight-year assignment with the Florida Highway Patrol.

Daniel Dahm headshot

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

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