Ohio Rev. Code » Chapter 4511
Ohio Revised Code

Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.84 (2026)

Earphones or earplugs on operator prohibited

✓ current as of May 2026
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Effective:
May 22, 2020
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 129 - 133rd General Assembly
PDF:
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(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Earphones" means any device that covers all or a portion of both ears and that does either of the following:

(a) Through either a physical connection to another device or a wireless connection, provides the listener with radio programs, music, or other information;

(b) Provides hearing protection.

"Earphones" does not include speakers or other listening devices that are built into protective headgear.

(2) "Earplugs" means any device that can be inserted into one or both ears and that does either of the following:

(a) Through either a physical connection to another device or a wireless connection, provides the listener with radio programs, music, or other information;

(b) Provides hearing protection.

(B) No person shall operate a motor vehicle while wearing earphones over, or earplugs in, both ears.

(C) This section does not apply to:

(1) Any person wearing a hearing aid;

(2) Law enforcement personnel while on duty;

(3) Fire department personnel and emergency medical service personnel while on duty;

(4) Any person engaged in the operation of equipment for use in the maintenance or repair of any highway;

(5) Any person engaged in the operation of refuse collection equipment;

(6) Any person wearing earphones or earplugs for hearing protection while operating a motorcycle.

(D) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases, 1990–2012 · leading case: State v. Whitaker, 676 N.E.2d 1189 (Ohio Ct. App. 1996).
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State v. Whitaker, 676 N.E.2d 1189 (Ohio Ct. App. 1996). · cites it 2× “76, section 4511.84, sections 4513.01 to 4513.”
State v. Baldauf, 586 N.E.2d 237 (Ohio Ct. App. 1990). · cites it 2× “76 or section 4511.84 of the Revised Code, for which no penalty is otherwise provided in this section, is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within one year after the first offense, such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree;…”
State v. Wilson, 657 N.E.2d 518 (Ohio Ct. App. 1995). · cites it 2× “76, section 4511.84, any provision in sections 4513.”
State v. Ruby, 2012 Ohio 6077 (Ohio Ct. App. 2012). “202) and driving while wearing earphones (R.C. 4511.84). {¶3} Appellant filed a motion to suppress the blood test results on the basis that the trooper did not read appellant the BMV2255 form within a two hour limit and did not request a blood sample within a three hour limit in…”
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