iPod use while riding a motorcycle? UK?

Question

Anyone know if its illegal in the UK to listen to an iPod whilst riding a motorcycle?

So that's a resounding... no sure then! Thanks for the lecture from most of you. I normally wear earplugs to drown out the wind noise and protect my ears, but on long rides I also like to listen to my tunes. The plain ear plugs cut out more sounds than my iPod does, yet ear plugs are reccomended. Just wanted to know if it was illegal or not. Still not sure. Will have to ask the Police through their website now :-(

Answer 1

Not illegal IMHO. I use mine plugged into the bike intercom system (with GPS and Phone) and wired into fitted head sets in both rider and passenger helmets. Would be a bit naughty to flick through albums on the move though.

Answer 2

No it's not illegal. I used to use a walkman (for the youngsters thats a mobile music device based on tape technology) whilst riding.

My main reason for recommending you don't do it is the damage you will probably do to your hearing. Most bike riders don't seem to realise that the wind noise you get whilst riding can permanently damage your hearing & give you tinnitus.

To be able to hear music over the wind noise you would have to have the volume set at an unsafe level. I would recommend that anyone who rides a bike uses hearing protection as hearing loss is no fun & it can't be reversed (I know this through experience).

Answer 3

It's totally fine, like having a radio in a car.

I don't have an iPod, but I used to use my personal stereos, I even had some headphones that velcro'd to the inside of my helmet. I did get stopped by police whilst wearing it, for something else, and the only thing he said about it was he thought it was pretty cool. Anyone who says it's illegal is obviously lying.

Answer 4

It is not illegal to ride when one is deaf, so I guess the same applies. However, technically, one is only allowed to listen to spoken word from the radio, when one is driving a car. I should think common sense applies. At the very least, fiddling in pockets etc for buttons would be a no no at speed. You could use an intercom system and play it through that, or if you have a Goldwing play it through speakers.

Answer 5

Nothing illegal about it. Personally I don't consider it a good idea, but I wear earplugs when riding any distance and that can't be any better in some ways.

Answer 6

It is illegal in most (if not all) states to wear headphones to listen to music while operating a motor vehicle. Contact your local DMV for a more thorough answer. Nobody will be able to tell you the exact answer. You didn't even list your state.

Answer 7

It's perfectly legal though most people only listen to music on long motorway hauls. When you are out for a fun ride it's best not to as it affects concentration too much and also, on a bike what you hear is almost as important as what you see. There are certain earphones desiigned for use inside helmets that are good, they allow you to hear the music but don't block out external sounds.

Answer 8

It is no more illegal than a bike intercom, or an overblown stereo in a car. It is no more dangerous than wearing earplugs, which many riders already do.

You can even get iPod holders for motorcycles...

Answer 9

One point to consider is that if you have a prang and need to rely on the protection of your helmet, is having a hard unyielding object between your helmet and your ear going to have any adverse effect?

How strong is your skull near your ears and how much damage is this going to do.

Do you want to live?

Answer 10

Don't know if it's illegal or not, but it flippin well ought to be. If you ride a bike and can't hear what's going on around you you're likely to wind up underneath something like a Volvo and that will damage a lot more than your hearing, so don't be stupid and put the earphones in your bag too.