An ordinary driver wants to listen to music through an audio headset covering both ears while driving on a Maryland highway. No statutory exception applies. Is this allowed?

Correct answer: No; the both-ear audio-headset restriction applies.

Why

Maryland prohibits driving a motor vehicle on a highway with earplugs, an audio headset or earphones on or in both ears, subject to specific exceptions. These include specified emergency and occupational uses and devices used to improve hearing. The scenario is ordinary music listening, so those exceptions do not apply.

Verified against Maryland Driver’s Manual and current Transportation Article · Listening through both ears · p. 53