Mp3 Players And Such

Curious what is general thoughts on using music players ( cd playets, mp3 players, smart phone music players etc) with bluetooth earbuds/ earphones, while driving?

I have a Sirius satellite radio, personally. They arent expensive, they are easy to put (and remove) in your truck, and I would never be willing to roll without one lol. Unlimited supply of music, comedy, talk, and news.

Earbuds, headphones, etc. - are going to be ILLEGAL to use in ANY VEHICLE in most states.

There is no "specific" FMCSA reg regarding this (that I could find quickly) - but most state DO have laws prohibiting their use that would apply equally to commercial vehicles. And if you DO get pulled because a LEO see's you using earbuds - you can bet he's gonna take the time to look at MORE than just your earbuds.

Most companies are probably going to have a policy against them also.

Safest bet - DON'T USE THEM.

Rick

Timely topic; just yesterday I saw a trucker rolling down rt. 30 (very busy, cars cutting everything off like crazy, no dedicated turn lanes...) with a huge pair of headphones over both ears. Oh, lots of cops on rt. 30 too. He probably didn't get very far.

Probably not a good idea with ear buds. Besides the obvious fact that you can't hear anything besides your music but i remember my company saying that is one of the top things the public calls in and complains about.

They make a mini broadcaster ( i don't know what it's officially called) that you can buy for $30 at walmart that you can plug your ipod in and make the music come through the truck speakers that work pretty well. That's what i use.

Now - FMCSA Regs DO REQUIRE drivers to use a "hands free device" when making a phone call (headset, etc.). You are not allowed to handle the phone any more than a "one touch dial" when behind the wheel in motion.

Some STATES even PROHIBIT HANDLING A MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE when stopped at a traffic light or stop sign.

Most "late model" rigs have 1/8 phone jack inputs for MP3/Audio devices, and many even have bluetooth connectivity.

There are a number of adapters that will convert a headphone jack to FM - get the better one that has multiple channels you can select - these tend to sound really crappy though, even with the more expensive ones. This is because it's hard to find an "open frequency" nowadays on the FM band - unless you're out in the boonies.

Rick

You will notice truck drivers often use phone headsets that have one earphone and there's still a "free" ear. That meets the law.

Most truck radios have a USB/ thumb drive and an input "aux" jack. Fill your cab with your music.

Great tips guys, never thought of some of the repurcussions, well short of full headphones.

All good info......

Earbuds, headphones, etc. - are going to be ILLEGAL to use in ANY VEHICLE in most states.

I'm amazed how many truck drivers I see with earbuds in while driving. Not only is it illegal in most places, but the obvious temptation is to handle your music device to change the music/station at some point, which is a major safety hazard and illegal. I don't remember for sure, but I believe it's illegal for commercial drivers to even hold a phone in any state. I'll try to find a source.

I have a Blue Tiger that plays music from my phone but the Blue Parrot won't.