Author Topic: State earplug laws (Read 10977 times)

Vidrazor · « **on:** October 16, 2005, 09:28:11 PM »

I recently discovered some states outlaw wearing earplugs while riding a bike. Does anyone know of a database showing these states? I'd like to be prepared for such stupidity. I'm at a loss as to the reasoning, other than just revenue generation under the guise of some safety schtick.

Thanks for any info on this.
Phil

solman · « **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2005, 10:30:51 PM »

I already have hearing loss from spending too many years around jets, I am wearing earplugs.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 16, 2005, 10:35:35 PM »

I don't know of a list but PA does not permit it. It doesn't stop me but it is not allowed. There are certain execptions such as wearing ONE earpiece for a communication device. The rationale is that you need to hear what's going on around you.

b4cruz · « **Reply #3 on:** October 16, 2005, 11:41:39 PM »

can you trick the law by wearing the Koss plug isolating headphones?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00001P4XA/002-5446845-5666443?v=glance&n=172282&n=507846&s=electronics&v=glance
I will not ride without plugs of some sort. its gonna hurt later f I don't
i love them i can't hear wind, exhaust, trucks, or the parking attendant
and my mp3 player is only at 1/2 volume.

todius · « **Reply #4 on:** October 17, 2005, 02:07:19 AM »

Quote from: "b4cruz"

can you trick the law by wearing the Koss plug isolating headphones?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00001P4XA/002-5446845-5666443?v=glance&n=172282&n=507846&s=electronics&v=glance
I will not ride without plugs of some sort. its gonna hurt later f I don't
i love them i can't hear wind, exhaust, trucks, or the parking attendant
and my mp3 player is only at 1/2 volume.

I've had better luck with Sony's fontopia in-ear headphones. They block noise better than the KOSS brand and are more comfortable... but more pricey.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000092YQW/qid=1129525330/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-8555848-7819819?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000095SB6/qid=1129525330/sr=8-2/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-8555848-7819819?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000779RZU/qid=1129525330/sr=8-4/ref=pd_bbs_4/103-8555848-7819819?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846

Another trick I've done with these is to remove the rubber pad that fits in your ear and attach an actual earplug to it. I burn a hole through the earplug with a soldering iron and attach it to the headphone. Then insert the earplug as you normally would (with headphone attached) and it blocks out noise just like having an earplug, but the hole through it allows the music to channel into your ear perfectly.!

Here's another brand that looked really good, but very pricey.
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/epcomp.aspx

Red01 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 17, 2005, 03:29:29 AM »

Good question! I don't know of a database/list anywhere. I know California passed a law a couple-three years ago (or so) permitting motorcyclists to wear earplugs. Washington state doesn't allow them unless you have a perscription. Although the two times I've been pulled over in the last few years with them in, the officer never made any mention of them.

I did have a co-worker get a ticket on his HD for not having a litter bag though, so if you get an anal cop, anything is possible. (WA law states all motor vehicles must have a litter bag - and yes, you can get free ones from the state - the question is, where do you put it on a bike?)

Maniac · « **Reply #6 on:** October 17, 2005, 09:00:56 AM »

Quote from: "Red01"

I did have a co-worker get a ticket on his HD for not having a litter bag though, so if you get an anal cop, anything is possible. (WA law states all motor vehicles must have a litter bag - and yes, you can get free ones from the state - the question is, where do you put it on a bike?)

Pfft, thats just because it was a Harley. The cop wanted to make sure the guy had someplace to stash all the parts that were going to fall off, instead of just leaving them laying in the road.

Seriously though, I don't know. Isn't that what pockets are for? Besides, what kind of litter are you going to produce if you are riding a bike? It's not like you can eat a Big Mac and drive at the same time.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 17, 2005, 09:21:26 AM »

Quote from: "Maniac"

Seriously though, I don't know. Isn't that what pockets are for? Besides, what kind of litter are you going to produce if you are riding a bike? It's not like you can eat a Big Mac and drive at the same time.

I can see a Harley rider cruisin' thought the drive-through at Micky-Ds! Hell, they make cup holders for the damn things!

Maniac · « **Reply #8 on:** October 17, 2005, 10:19:10 AM »

If there is ever a news report about a motorcycle accident attributed to a Big Mac, it had better get placed in the 'Squidly' section!

Cupholders on a motorcycle? How the hell does that work? Oh, wait, I guess if you wear those stupid beanie helmets they won't interfer with things like eating and drinking. Who cares that when you go over the handlebars you are going to grind your face off!

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #9 on:** October 17, 2005, 10:56:55 AM »

Quote from: "Maniac"

Cupholders on a motorcycle? How the hell does that work?

Think motorcycle helmet with beer cup holders attached and some plastic tubing!!

PeteSC · « **Reply #10 on:** October 17, 2005, 01:15:30 PM »

When I used to wear an open face helmet without a shield, I'd sometimes wedge a coffee cup or soda bottle between the gauges, and handelbars. Yeah, you can actually buy a cup holder that clamps to your handlebars...

I'm guessing the ear plugs won't be a problem unless a cop follows you for miles with siren going, and you tell him 'sorry, I couldn't hear you' as you pull off your helmet, and your ear plugs fall out.

Maniac · « **Reply #11 on:** October 17, 2005, 01:23:38 PM »

Quote from: "PeteSC"

I'm guessing the ear plugs won't be a problem unless a cop follows you for miles with siren going, and you tell him 'sorry, I couldn't hear you' as you pull off your helmet, and your ear plugs fall out.

Hell, with some of the exhausts out there you wouldn't hear him even if you didn't have earplugs.

"Loud pipes save lives... and make you totally deaf", except they usually leave that last bit out.

PeteSC · « **Reply #12 on:** October 17, 2005, 01:25:20 PM »

EH? What'd you say?

Maniac · « **Reply #13 on:** October 17, 2005, 01:38:16 PM »

Quote from: "PeteSC"

EH? What'd you say?

I'd say Pete is a good example of this, but... I'm not sure his deafness isn't caused by extreme old age.

Runerx · « **Reply #14 on:** October 17, 2005, 08:56:39 PM »

cup holders HELL!!!! I saw one of my H.S. students riding his old Triumph on the street a few weeks ago while HOLDING A CUP IN HIS LEFT HAND!!!

now if thats not crazy enough he was following his mother on her Harley. I guess the apples don't fall far from the trees

I asked him about it at school a few days later.. he said" I didn't want to throw it away, it was a $3.50 slushie". I'm glad that I was sitting and watching all of this off the bike.

Dave