Driving Or Biking With Earbuds In Now Illegal In California

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – If you're used to commuting with earbuds, heads-up: it's now illegal to drive or bike with them in your ears – even if there's no music playing.

The new state law, which went into effect Jan. 1, even prohibits you from wearing them on top of your ears.

It's already been illegal to wear headphones or earplugs while driving and biking for several years.

This new law specifies earbuds.

The law excludes people operating construction equipment and emergency vehicles, as well as anyone wearing a hearing aid.

Technically, it's still legal to only wear one earbud and drive or bike. But if you pop in the other one and get caught, the fine can be as high as $160.