Now Illegal in D.C.: Biking With Headphones

A new law in the nation's capital will fine people on bikes caught listening to headphones as a Vision Zero traffic safety measure.

1 minute read

February 23, 2019, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


D.C. Metro Bus

Lissandra Melo / Shutterstock

"Cyclists [in Washington, D.C.] caught riding with headphones, a headset, or earplugs are now subject to a $50 fine," reports Helen Wieffering.

"The new restriction is one of several updated traffic regulations that went into effect in 2019, including fine increases for dangerous driving, as Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration works to fulfill a pledge to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2024," according to Wiffering.

As of yet, no cyclists have been fined under the new law. "California, Florida, and the District’s neighboring jurisdictions in Maryland [pdf] and Virginia," have similar laws on the books, according to Wieffering.

Saturday, February 23, 2019 in DCist

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