Cycling with earphones made illegal in California

Cycling with earphones is now illegal in California – even if there’s no music playing in them.

The new state law, which was introduced on January 1 and also applies to drivers, outlaws  the wearing of earphones, with fines for non-compliance as much as $160.

It has been illegal in the state to wear headphones or earplugs while cycling or driving for several years. However, the new law specifies earphones, making it unlawful to wear a “headset covering, earplugs in, or earphones covering, resting on, or inserted in, both ears, while operating a motor vehicle or a bicycle”.

Would you wear the world's first wireless smart earphone?

Technically it is still legal to wear an earphone in one ear, while those operating construction equipment, or emergency vehicles are exempt, as are hearing aid users.

A similar scheme was proposed for the UK by one disgruntled Lord early last year who had seen other cyclists riding with earphones on his daily commute to Westminster and feared a risk to their safety. However, campaigners at the time contested the effectiveness of such a law, citing a lack of evidence on the risks of earphones and the purported safety benefits of a ban.

The new Californian law is among a raft of changes to laws affecting transport in the state, including restrictions for pedicabs, which are not allowed to travel in excess of 15mph - the restriction has now been extended to four wheeled pedicabs carrying eight or more people. New classifications of e-bikes have also been introduced, allowing them to use the same paths as non-motorised cycles.

A trial use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs), which require a clean breathalise test before the car will start, has been extended to 2017 for those convicted of previous drink driving offenses.