What devices are prohibited from being used when driving a motor vehicle?

The use of headsets covering both ears is prohibited while driving because they can obstruct a driver’s ability to hear important sounds, such as sirens from emergency vehicles, horns from other vehicles, or any unusual noises that may signal a problem with the vehicle. Hearing is crucial for situational awareness on the road, as auditory cues often provide vital information about what is happening around a driver.

In contrast, devices like Bluetooth hands-free systems, which allow the driver to keep both hands on the wheel and focus on the road, are not prohibited because they enhance safety while still allowing for communication. Similarly, while ear plugs attached to a radio covering one ear may still pose some risk, they allow for partial auditory awareness. Wired earphones covering one ear might also not reduce awareness as severely as a full headset, but they are not recommended either. The key concern for driving safety is maintaining maximum situational awareness, which is why using equipment that obstructs hearing, like headsets covering both ears, is banned.