Why are 'both ear' Helmet Headsets legal, but Headphones aren't?

[Bfromla]

For those more legally adept: how/why are the helmet headsets that play music in stereo (both ears) Legal but headphones that do the same are not? :dontknow:

FYI got a family member bout to start riding again & already planning on using a Bluetooth headphone set (they already own) as that.

 

[Hypurone]

The law as I read it for here in Cali states in a nutshell that "the speaker device cannot completely seal out outside sounds". Earbuds and a lot of over-the-ear systems do and some even are noise cancelling.... It's a rather gray area on what passes in some States... Shouldn't be an issue anyway as the system is not visible. And unless you have it blaring and don't turn it off if pulled over, it wouldn't even be known that it plays music and is anything other than an intercom. This last bit likely being how the manufacturers side steps the issue, as their products are sold as "communication or intercom" devices.

 

[Motorcycledave]

The law as I read it for here in Cali states in a nutshell that "the speaker device cannot completely seal out outside sounds". Earbuds and a lot of over-the-ear systems do and some even are noise cancelling.... It's a rather gray area on what passes in some States... Shouldn't be an issue anyway as the system is not visible. And unless you have it blaring and don't turn it off if pulled over, it wouldn't even be known that it plays music and is anything other than an intercom. This last bit likely being how the manufacturers side steps the issue, as their products are sold as "communication or intercom" devices.

BINGO

You are correct... you have to be able to hear outside sounds!

 

[Bfromla]

Thank you. I figured it had more to do with the wording "communication device" vs "personal sound system". And with the new Hands-free school zones being implemented to keep driver's hands on the wheel, not a device I can see becoming a bigger issue. As far as seeing the unit, if it falls out when removing the helmet, blaring or not, that could possibly lead to extended conversations with an officer. I think :dontknow: but again, most of my experiences with LEO's were in my high school days & with our intimidating Bossier PD (which has been mentioned here before, by visitors who had unfortunate experiences with them.) The main thing is keeping the nose clean. :lecturef_smilie: I know, I can ask some off duty officers working at casinos who may offer good alternatives to explore. Thanks again. :thumbup: