Radio choices, let's see them!

[Higgybulin]

I know most say they are a waste of time but I will probably putting tunes in my roadster. What's everyone using? Where you putting it?
Would love to see some pics!!
Higgy

[Paul Mischenko]

I debating installing one or not. I didn't want to see it or take anything away from the traditional dash or look of the build. I installed a bluetooth receiver up under the dash, two speakers behind the seats with the amp and crossover in the trunk battery box. Like that you can really only see the speakers. Have used it a few times in the 1200 miles. Even with a 400 watt amp it's tough to hear in supper clear detail but it's nice to have on the longer drives. I debated this and I'm glad I put it in. Details in by graduation post:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?33005-Graduation-of-FFR-8692-20th-Anniversary-MK4-9-of-20

[Jim1855]

Higgy,

Ear buds and an iPod.

Something like these. https://www.etymotic.com/consumer/earphones/mk5.html
Great sound quality, significant noise reduction so you can listen w/o extreme volume.
I can put all in a pocket.

Jim

[Papa]

I bought a set of these for highway driving.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=116224&d=1571449131

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LLNJ2HC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They reduce the noise, allow you to talk with your passenger, and they have an aux input that lets you connect an iPod. Press the button on the ear piece and you interrupt the iPod and activate the mic.

Oh, one more benefit … they help keep your hat on your head!

Dave

[RJD]

Receiver: Kenwood KMR-M25BT (marine receiver) - AM/FM, Bluetooth, Pandora, USB. Planning to just music stream so no antennae planned. Installed in a custom center console.

Amp: Kenwood KAC-M1804, compact 4 channel amp. Installed below dash, passenger side.

Rear speakers: Kicker 4 inch coaxial speakers (marine speakers), 150 watts. Installed on the rear wall between the shoulder harnesses

Front speakers: Kicker 4 inch coaxial speakers (marine speakers), 120 watts. Installed in custom speaker boxes below the door hinges.

116223

116222

[Straversi]

Bose QuietControl noise canceling wireless headphones and an I-phone. Technically illegal but, I have found that the snug fitting, in-ear type head phones cut the wind, road and engine noise and I can hear the music great. I think I can hear police and ambulances better with these than if I have ear plugs in and a stereo blasting. Use at your own risk, but that’s my choice.
-Steve

[GoDadGo]

I did in Infinity Marine stereo with four 5" coaxial speakers and can't hear the thing with the engine running, but I idle at 104 DB.

You can see it between 1:35 & 1:45 minutes into this video.

https://youtu.be/_wnHDNgnNqs

I purchased the set up from Rock-The-Boat Marine Stereos:

https://www.rocktheboatmarinestereo.com/html/62503.html

[edwardb]

Spent a bunch of money and time putting a relatively high end stereo in #7750. Found it made a great garage radio. Not usable or enjoyable while driving IMO. Had to be too loud. Just saying. Thinking about something for the Coupe, but that's a bit different with a roof and mostly closed cockpit. If I do anything, it will be a powered Bluetooth speaker with my phone. There are some great choices out there that sound amazingly good. I know guys do it (and I don't want to get flamed... please) but the safety police in me says nothing in ear or headphones with tunes. Plus pretty widely illegal.

[cv2065]

I put one in similar to Edwardb. It's Bluetooth, so if I can't hear it while running, I can always use my BT earbuds, as they are very good sound quality these days. That said, I have run just the rear speakers while idling without the body on and they are really loud. Sound quality should get better with the body on, but either way, never had a car without tunes, and wasn't planning to start now. It does add quite a bit of work when running the wiring correctly and fitting behind the dash.

[Jim1855]

Just to comment, not argue, with EdwardB's "safety police" comment.

I agree with the "legality" note but... My hearing is rather important to me and I always wear some form of ear plugs. A ticket is cheap and temporary, hearing damage is permanent and expensive.

Even with my installed audio system (ear buds) I can still hear the engine, wind and passing cars. I wouldn't wear headphones, way too obvious. I do remove the buds prior to roadside discussions with the gentlemen in blue.

On installed stereo systems. I really think you'll find the engine, wind and tire noise to be loud enough that the stereo has to be bar band loud to begin to hear it.

Jim

[phileas_fogg]

Just to comment, not argue, with EdwardB's "safety police" comment.

I agree with the "legality" note but... My hearing is rather important to me and I always wear some form of ear plugs. A ticket is cheap and temporary, hearing damage is permanent and expensive.

Even with my installed audio system (ear buds) I can still hear the engine, wind and passing cars. I wouldn't wear headphones, way too obvious. I do remove the buds prior to roadside discussions with the gentlemen in blue.

On installed stereo systems. I really think you'll find the engine, wind and tire noise to be loud enough that the stereo has to be bar band loud to begin to hear it.

Jim

Well said Jim.


John

[Papa]

I consider the Racing Radio headphones as no different than the bluetooth equipped motorcycle helmets that are widely used today, which are also illegal in many states.

[skidd]

my 02c.
I also was NOT going to put tunes in my roadster. I just knew I didn't need it.
Then.. I stumbled upon a pic of a pretty stealth install. .. and I thought to myself.. "If I can do an invisible install for low cost.. and simple install.. why not?"
That's what I did. and.. It was 100% worth it. Sure, the sound isn't crystal clear.. duh! But.. even at 70mph highway speeds.. my wife and I can enjoy some music as we cruise.
ProTip.. ear-plugs!! Yeah.. ear-plugs MAKE it at speed... You see.. it reduces that wind noise so much.. that the lower and mid range music sounds are more clear.
Though.. I mostly did this for my commute.. yeah.. you see I drive my car to work every day!! Surface streets, and an easy 30 minute drive among other cars.. it's nice to just have some tunes.
Oh yeah... and a side benefit of this.. I hadn't considered. I set my phone to navigate to some location... and I can hear the turn-by-turn commands!! Just for that alone, it was worth it.

Anyway...

I put a pair of $100 marine speakers behind the center section behind the seats.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07214HDC5/
No grill guards though... they are behind the aluminum with holes drilled into it..and behind the carpet. No impact on sound. works fine, but my daughter accidently pushed on one of the aluminum panels recently.. there is a "buzz" now. I'm going to remove the speakers (they pull out through the trunk, they are moutned on a piece of 3/4" MDF that pulls out as one piece). From behind, I think I"m going to cut out the aluminum holes.. and replace them with something plastic, and a bit more sturdy. Like a low profile speaker grill. They "might" push forward the carpet out front.. at most 1/4".. So.. in retrospect...cut the aluminum holes, and low profile guards behind the carpet.
https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20190331_195324_595.jpg

https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20190331_195331_595.jpg

The $60 amp is installed inside the top of the passenger foot box. I have a front-battery, so this was a logical place for the amp.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HZA6E2Q/
https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20190331_195338_595.jpg

A $20 bluetooth dongle with buttons for volume, pause, skip..etc. I can pretty much easily control the music without having to touch the phone.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0769DXZTV/
You can see it beside the red start button on the dash in the speaker pic above.



Less than $200 and worth EVERY penny. Simple install.. invisible.. and works better than it should for the low cost.

[edwardb]

Just to be clear (my hearing is important to me too...) I always wear ear plugs when driving the Roadster. Along with any passengers. We use a musician style plug (Etymotic ER20's) that provide protection but also you can still hear traffic, sirens, etc. plus carry on a conversation if necessary. There are many other choices that offer something similar. My comment was about in ear plugs with music. Like I said, I know not everyone will agree and not trying to start a firestorm. Just giving my opinion. To be honest, I enjoy every aspect of driving my car and tunes for me are just a distraction. And I have a significant music background. Just don't find that's my place for it. But we all digress a bit. The OP ask about radio installations, not a debate about whether they're useful or wanted. Obviously everyone has their own take and that's fine. Sorry for the diversion.

[Jetfuel]

With today's technology any recognized brand compact radio/speakers with a remote will do the trick, location of the speakers is the issue, placed behind the seats defeats the purpose which leaves you very little choices for locations.
With an exhaust just feet from your head, wind and road noise adds to the problem so the logically solution is ear/headphones that are only illegal in 10 states.
I run speakers for city driving but earbuds for highway traveling

Jet

[RJD]

With today's technology any recognized brand compact radio/speakers with a remote will do the trick, location of the speakers is the issue, placed behind the seats defeats the purpose which leaves you very little choices for locations.
Jet

I installed my set up more for listening to music while parked at local car shows and other similar events. That said, while probably not an optimal location, I was surprised at how good the speakers sounded at the aft wall even though they are partially obscured by the seats. I don't have the seats mounted full aft though - there is an air gap of about two inches between the speakers and the back of the seats. There is also just enough room between the shoulder harness anchor points for 4 inch coaxial speakers, in case you want to have greater distance between the speakers.

116253

[Xkuzme1]

JBL Bluetooth Speaker

116254

[Brian76]

I'm considering this Marine/UTV compact bluetooth system:
https://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-KAC-M1824BT-Marine-Bluetooth-Amplifier/dp/B010QZZ760/ref=asc_df_B010QZZ760/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312070784062&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17843913275079509445&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015854&hvtargid=pla-654188833810&psc=1

I too am looking for something that will work at lower speed city driving and car shows. Not expecting much at 70mph. I would prefer not to have to install a head unit and mess with all the wiring. The kenwood system seems like a good candidate.

[DadofThree]

I've been using these Ear Buds for nearly a year now. Work great for music, directions, or even talking on the phone if I get a call (short DW calls where I can take the right earbud out and hold it close to my mouth while able to hear her in the left bud). Nothing Better than hearing "In the Air Tonight" come on while cruising along the highway at night. The glow of the instruments on the windshield, wind through your hair, and the drum solo while changing gears! *sigh*

(Side Note: I've had plenty of police around me while wearing the buds, and never had an issue)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GWWQK76/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[edwardb]

I'm always surprised how many people mention running their car stereos at car shows. I go to a bunch of them. Really common around here (SE Michigan) where in the warm weather there's literally something nearly every day of the week if you're so inclined. What I've observed is (1) very common for them to have DJ's and music running for the whole event, and (2) participants rarely if ever run their own car stereos. Not considered courteous and would be really bad if a bunch of people were doing it. Every once in a while someone will start their engine if someone asks. I have been. But even that's not considered courteous. Maybe it's a regional thing. :confused:

[GTBradley]

I've been using these Ear Buds for nearly a year now. Work great for music, directions, or even talking on the phone if I get a call (short DW calls where I can take the right earbud out and hold it close to my mouth while able to hear her in the left bud). Nothing Better than hearing "In the Air Tonight" come on while cruising along the highway at night. The glow of the instruments on the windshield, wind through your hair, and the drum solo while changing gears! *sigh*

(Side Note: I've had plenty of police around me while wearing the buds, and never had an issue)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GWWQK76/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for the recommendation. How would you rate these at noise cancellation of the side pipes for long drives?

[Higgybulin]

Lots of great ideas!! I might start with the Bluetooth speaker like @Xkuzme1 and see how it goes. If and when the stereo goes in it will be a hidden install for sure.

[DadofThree]

Thanks for the recommendation. How would you rate these at noise cancellation of the side pipes for long drives?

I always use them for long drives, and wouldn't take a trip without these or any plugs of some sort. When I pull them out at an exit ramp or some such place, I'm surprised by the ambient noise volume. Rarely used for short city drives.

[mburger]

I’ve observed the same thing here in SW Florida Paul.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Multiple choice for listening. Radio Speakers or Blue Tooth equipped hearing aids. Most of the time I listen via the speakers. They are good up to the wind noise threshold of about 65mph. Local highway speeds here tend toward the 80's with most NC state limits are set at 70mph. Use phone with Car Play mostly to drive the system but have CD, satellite & normal AM/FM built in. Got the Pioneer receiver at a local swap meet, the speakers & satellite antenna from Crutchfield.

The 6.5" speakers are mounted on the sides of the console & the 5.5" on the panel under the door at the very front of the panel. A bit of overkill but the 4200 fell off a truck & the price was to good to pass up. 4200 system replaced a normal receiver about 3 years ago.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=116423&d=1571680123
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=116890&d=1572407344

One thing that is unique unless I am running the 427 Ghost Cam program the Coyote on its daily tuned program is very quite at both idle & cruise. Engine noise has never been an issue with the radio even with the FFR side pipes. System also shows my Waze maps on the screen with verbal warnings on speed traps etc.

[Steven K]

I just bought this system but haven't installed it yet. It gets good reviews and takes up minimal space.

BOSS Audio Systems MGR350B Marine Gauge Receiver - Bluetooth, Digital Media MP3 Player, no CD Player, USB Port, AM FM Radio, Weatherproof

[Phoenixmsb]

In Florida, we can't wear headsets or anything like that and I'm not interested in getting a ticket, so I'm using the Boss marine radio.

https://www.amazon.com/BOSS-Audio-MGR350B-Marine-Receiver/dp/B00VV6Y7O2/ref=asc_df_B00VV6Y7O2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198061104887&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10164737148463874153&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012416&hvtargid=pla-379241475306&psc=1

I have an amp in the trunk, speakers on the back wall between the seats and ones under the door by the footwell. Not that great at cruising speed with the side pipes but I mostly use it at cruises and when parked by a secluded beach somewhere.

116901

[chmhasy]

This is a great information thread and will be following it.

[Avalanche325]

Here is my stereo. One side polished, one to go.

116939

[RJD]

Here is my stereo. One side polished, one to go.

116939

That's more of a boom box. :cool:

[RBachman]

I just looked up states where headphones/earbuds are restricted and it's not as bad as I thought. Here's what I found "on the internet." It's from the AAA website, though, so it's got that going for it. I posted most of it below with my own "commentary" for some of them. The original article has links to the DMV for most states and is located here: https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/headsets/.

ALABAMA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

ALASKA
Wearing an audio headset or earplugs is not permitted while driving. Exempts headsets when used and designed to improve a driver’s hearing ability or use navigational devices. (This sounds to me that if noise canceling headsets do more to improve hearing warning/siren noises, then they should be okay, and when connected to a GPS they are okay.)rb

ARIZONA
Licensees of child care facilities must ensure that an individual who uses a motor vehicle to transport enrolled children does not use audio headphones while the car is in motion. School bus drivers may not wear headsets whenever the bus is in motion.

ARKANSAS
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

CALIFORNIA
Wearing headsets or earplugs in both ears is not permitted while driving or operating a bicycle, unless designed to aid hearing or specifically designed to attenuate injurious noise levels. (Sounds like they are fine here..."specifically designed to attenuate injurious noise levels.")rb

COLORADO
Wearing earphones is not permitted while driving. Exempts hearing devices built into protective headgear and headsets covering only one ear and used with a hand-held telephone.

CONNECTICUT
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

DELAWARE
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving. (However the use of bullet proof clothing and automobile armor are highly encouraged. Otherwise it's a lot like driving a WWI open-cab ammunition truck making deliveries to the trenches. LOL)rb.

FLORIDA
Wearing a headset, headphone, or other listening device, other than a hearing aid or instrument for the improvement of defective human hearing, is not permitted while driving. Use in one ear for communicating with a central base operation or in conjunction with a cellular telephone is permitted.

GEORGIA
Wearing a headset or headphone which would impair that person’s ability to hear, or any device which impairs a person’s vision, is not permitted while driving. Exempts headsets or headphones used for communication purposes. (So hook it to a phone? Also, off topic, but it's good to know. The right lane speed limit on the loop around Atlanta is only a suggested minimum for extreme emergencies. If you only have a flat tire or a little friendly fender rubbing, slow down to 90 and pull off the road when safe. Other drivers may get upset at your slow speed, but the little old blue haired lady behind you honking her horn to pass can wait a few seconds. The "fast" lanes on the left are more of a NASCAR training facility than an Interstate, and are perfect for our Cobras. LOL)rb

HAWAII
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving. (Just don't beep your horn. They hate that there. LOL)rb

IDAHO
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

ILLINOIS
Wearing headset receivers is not permitted while driving. Exempts intercom helmets on motorcycles, cellular phone earpieces, and single-sided headsets. (And of course exempts any politician in and around Cook County. LOL)rbz

INDIANA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

IOWA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

KANSAS
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

KENTUCKY
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

LOUISIANA
Wearing of headphones covering both ears while driving is not permitted. Exempts a headset built into a motorcycle helmet. A secondary offense.

MAINE
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

MARYLAND
Wearing, either over or in both ears, earplugs, headsets, or earphones, is not permitted while driving. Exempts hearing aids; some other exceptions apply.

MASSACHUSETTS
Wearing headphones is not permitted while driving, unless the headphones are used for communication in connection with controlling the course or movement of said vehicle. (Sounds like if it's connected to a GPS audio system or other source for "controlling the course or movement of said vehicle" they are fine. That could be an intercom to your passenger (navigator) or a GPS connection.)rb.

MICHIGAN
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

MINNESOTA
Wearing headphones or earphones in both ears simultaneously for the purposes of receiving or listening to broadcasts or reproductions from radios, tape decks, or other sound-producing or transmitting devices, is not permitted while driving. Exempts the use of hearing aid devices. ("...for the purposes of receiving or listening to..." Does this mean that as long as you don't listen to anything, the noise canceling are okay? Because that's sure what it sounds like to me.)rb.

MISSISSIPPI
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving. (Though, I do believe you're expected to have your gun in plain sight so it's readily accessible. After all, citizens should do their part too, and you'll never know when someone needs help with a wedding. LOL) rb.

MISSOURI
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

MONTANA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

NEBRASKA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

NEVADA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

NEW JERSEY
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

NEW MEXICO
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

NEW YORK
Wearing more than 1 earphone attached to a radio, tape player, or other audio device is not permitted while driving.

NORTH CAROLINA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

NORTH DAKOTA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

OHIO
Wearing earphones over, or earplugs in, both ears is not permitted while driving. Exempts speakers built into protective headgear or hearing aids.

OKLAHOMA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

OREGON
Wearing radio headsets while driving is permitted with some local exceptions. (Doesn't this kinda' sound like it depends on the mood of whoever just pulled you over??? LOL)rb

PENNSYLVANIA
Wearing or using 1 or more headphones or earphones is not permitted while driving. Exempts the use of hearing aids, and the use of a headset in conjunction with a cellular telephone that only provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other ear.

RHODE ISLAND
Wearing earphones or headsets is not permitted while driving or operating a bicycle. (WOW! Not even when riding a bicycle? WOW! No big deal though, so you take them off for a couple minutes and your already through the town...errr, I mean "State." Which, by the way, brings up the question; "If Pluto is no longer a planet, why is Rhode Island still a state?" LOL)rb.

SOUTH CAROLINA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

SOUTH DAKOTA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

TENNESSEE
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

TEXAS
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

UTAH
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

VERMONT
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

VIRGINIA
Using earphones is not permitted while operating a motor vehicle, bicycle, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped. Exempts hearing aids and motorcycle helmet earphones. (Another anti-biking state. LOL)rb.

WASHINGTON
Wearing any headset or earphones connected to any electronic device capable of receiving a radio broadcast or playing a sound recording, in which the headset or earphones muffle or exclude other sounds, is not permitted while driving. Exempts motorcycle helmets with approved built-in headsets, and hands-free wireless communications systems. (This is another one that exempts headphones for communication, so if your phone is tied to your ear plugs, does that count?)rb.

WEST VIRGINIA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

WISCONSIN
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

WYOMING
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

[TMartinLVNV]

Here is my stereo. One side polished, one to go.

116939

Nice pair of Bazooka tubes you have there! :p

[Aircontroller]

Excellent post RBachman! Thanks!


I just looked up states where headphones/earbuds are restricted and it's not as bad as I thought. Here's what I found "on the internet." It's from the AAA website, though, so it's got that going for it. I posted most of it below with my own "commentary" for some of them. The original article has links to the DMV for most states and is located here: https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/headsets/.

ALABAMA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

ALASKA
Wearing an audio headset or earplugs is not permitted while driving. Exempts headsets when used and designed to improve a driver’s hearing ability or use navigational devices. (This sounds to me that if noise canceling headsets do more to improve hearing warning/siren noises, then they should be okay, and when connected to a GPS they are okay.)rb

ARIZONA
Licensees of child care facilities must ensure that an individual who uses a motor vehicle to transport enrolled children does not use audio headphones while the car is in motion. School bus drivers may not wear headsets whenever the bus is in motion.

ARKANSAS
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

CALIFORNIA
Wearing headsets or earplugs in both ears is not permitted while driving or operating a bicycle, unless designed to aid hearing or specifically designed to attenuate injurious noise levels. (Sounds like they are fine here..."specifically designed to attenuate injurious noise levels.")rb

COLORADO
Wearing earphones is not permitted while driving. Exempts hearing devices built into protective headgear and headsets covering only one ear and used with a hand-held telephone.

CONNECTICUT
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

DELAWARE
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving. (However the use of bullet proof clothing and automobile armor are highly encouraged. Otherwise it's a lot like driving a WWI open-cab ammunition truck making deliveries to the trenches. LOL)rb.

FLORIDA
Wearing a headset, headphone, or other listening device, other than a hearing aid or instrument for the improvement of defective human hearing, is not permitted while driving. Use in one ear for communicating with a central base operation or in conjunction with a cellular telephone is permitted.

GEORGIA
Wearing a headset or headphone which would impair that person’s ability to hear, or any device which impairs a person’s vision, is not permitted while driving. Exempts headsets or headphones used for communication purposes. (So hook it to a phone? Also, off topic, but it's good to know. The right lane speed limit on the loop around Atlanta is only a suggested minimum for extreme emergencies. If you only have a flat tire or a little friendly fender rubbing, slow down to 90 and pull off the road when safe. Other drivers may get upset at your slow speed, but the little old blue haired lady behind you honking her horn to pass can wait a few seconds. The "fast" lanes on the left are more of a NASCAR training facility than an Interstate, and are perfect for our Cobras. LOL)rb

HAWAII
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving. (Just don't beep your horn. They hate that there. LOL)rb

IDAHO
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

ILLINOIS
Wearing headset receivers is not permitted while driving. Exempts intercom helmets on motorcycles, cellular phone earpieces, and single-sided headsets. (And of course exempts any politician in and around Cook County. LOL)rbz

INDIANA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

IOWA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

KANSAS
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

KENTUCKY
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

LOUISIANA
Wearing of headphones covering both ears while driving is not permitted. Exempts a headset built into a motorcycle helmet. A secondary offense.

MAINE
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

MARYLAND
Wearing, either over or in both ears, earplugs, headsets, or earphones, is not permitted while driving. Exempts hearing aids; some other exceptions apply.

MASSACHUSETTS
Wearing headphones is not permitted while driving, unless the headphones are used for communication in connection with controlling the course or movement of said vehicle. (Sounds like if it's connected to a GPS audio system or other source for "controlling the course or movement of said vehicle" they are fine. That could be an intercom to your passenger (navigator) or a GPS connection.)rb.

MICHIGAN
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

MINNESOTA
Wearing headphones or earphones in both ears simultaneously for the purposes of receiving or listening to broadcasts or reproductions from radios, tape decks, or other sound-producing or transmitting devices, is not permitted while driving. Exempts the use of hearing aid devices. ("...for the purposes of receiving or listening to..." Does this mean that as long as you don't listen to anything, the noise canceling are okay? Because that's sure what it sounds like to me.)rb.

MISSISSIPPI
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving. (Though, I do believe you're expected to have your gun in plain sight so it's readily accessible. After all, citizens should do their part too, and you'll never know when someone needs help with a wedding. LOL) rb.

MISSOURI
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

MONTANA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

NEBRASKA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

NEVADA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

NEW JERSEY
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

NEW MEXICO
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

NEW YORK
Wearing more than 1 earphone attached to a radio, tape player, or other audio device is not permitted while driving.

NORTH CAROLINA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

NORTH DAKOTA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

OHIO
Wearing earphones over, or earplugs in, both ears is not permitted while driving. Exempts speakers built into protective headgear or hearing aids.

OKLAHOMA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

OREGON
Wearing radio headsets while driving is permitted with some local exceptions. (Doesn't this kinda' sound like it depends on the mood of whoever just pulled you over??? LOL)rb

PENNSYLVANIA
Wearing or using 1 or more headphones or earphones is not permitted while driving. Exempts the use of hearing aids, and the use of a headset in conjunction with a cellular telephone that only provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other ear.

RHODE ISLAND
Wearing earphones or headsets is not permitted while driving or operating a bicycle. (WOW! Not even when riding a bicycle? WOW! No big deal though, so you take them off for a couple minutes and your already through the town...errr, I mean "State." Which, by the way, brings up the question; "If Pluto is no longer a planet, why is Rhode Island still a state?" LOL)rb.

SOUTH CAROLINA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

SOUTH DAKOTA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

TENNESSEE
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

TEXAS
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

UTAH
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

VERMONT
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

VIRGINIA
Using earphones is not permitted while operating a motor vehicle, bicycle, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped. Exempts hearing aids and motorcycle helmet earphones. (Another anti-biking state. LOL)rb.

WASHINGTON
Wearing any headset or earphones connected to any electronic device capable of receiving a radio broadcast or playing a sound recording, in which the headset or earphones muffle or exclude other sounds, is not permitted while driving. Exempts motorcycle helmets with approved built-in headsets, and hands-free wireless communications systems. (This is another one that exempts headphones for communication, so if your phone is tied to your ear plugs, does that count?)rb.

WEST VIRGINIA
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

WISCONSIN
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

WYOMING
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.

[Avalanche325]

Isn't it completely silly that driving rules vary from state to state? I always wear earplugs in my car, but I am louder than most.

[jimmylukeii]

Bose noise reduction in-ear buds are amazing. I can hear sirens, horns, anything sudden, but it drowns out most of the engine and wind noise. Great for long hauls.

I am in Georgia. My defense if I get pulled is that the earbuds do not impair my ability to hear. We'll see how well that works, but a $100 ticket every few years is better than hearing loss.