The new Highway Code approved a few weeks ago and which will come into force on December 14th provides for several changes to the previous rules to guarantee greater safety. But not everyone knows that these variations also include using earphones while driving.
As a rule, the earphones cannot be worn neither by those driving a car nor by motorcyclists and the reason is simple as well as obvious: they distract from road noises such as horns. Headphones are only permitted for drivers of armed forces vehicles.
Not even a single earphone? No, because those who have the sound in only one ear still tend to concentrate on that sound and eventually get distracted.
So what changes for those who drive
According to the article 173 of the Highway Codeit is forbidden to use radio-telephone devices while driving that force the driver to keep one hand busy, such as cell phones.
For those who drive with a cell phone in hand, in addition to the administrative fine from 165 to 661 euros and the 5 point deduction, also the suspension of driving license (7 days for those with less than 20 points and no less than 10; 15 days for those with less than 10 points).
The use of the smartphone is permitted with “handsfree” or Bluetooth, as long as you do not keep the device in your hand.
Improper use of earphones, for example wearing them on both ears, can be interpreted as a violation of the rule and lead to the same sanctions.
