No overarching Canadian law says whether you’re allowed to wear headphones behind the wheel.
Some provinces ban covering both ears, others allow one-ear earpieces for hands-free calls, and some have special considerations for novice drivers. If you get a ticket for driving with headphones, the consequences for your car insurance vary by region.
To compare the rules across the provinces covered here, our content team reviewed RoadSafetyBC’s electronic-device rules, Ontario’s distracted-driving page, Quebec’s SAAQ guidance, Saskatchewan’s driver handbook, Alberta’s distracted-driving page, Manitoba’s current Highway Traffic Act, and Prince Edward Island’s distracted-driving page.
Is It Illegal To Wear Headphones While Driving In Canada?
Canada has no nationwide offence for driving with headphones.
Manitoba and Quebec do not allow you to drive with both ears covered. BC allows eligible drivers to wear an earpiece in one ear for a permitted hands-free call. Other provinces, like Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, don’t outright prohibit having both ears covered, but their distracted-driving rules may still apply if you use a phone or other device.
Headphone Rules By Province
| Jurisdiction | Headphone or earpiece rule | Device-use point that changes the answer |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Drivers must use a permitted hands-free earpiece in one ear and it must be in place before operating a vehicle. Motorcyclists are not subject to the single-ear rule. Graduated-licensing drivers are not allowed to use electronic devices with very few exceptions. | Your handheld audio player may play through the vehicle speakers. You may not hold it. Except to make an emergency call, you may only use it in other ways when parked off the roadway. |
| Manitoba | Currently, section 215 prohibits wearing headphones on both ears to listen to a radio or recorded sounds. The broader 2026 rule was approved by the legislature but is not in effect until it is proclaimed. | This rule is not like B.C.’s, which applies only when you’re using a call-only earpiece. Rules about hand-operated devices are separate from this rule about headphones. |
| Ontario | The official page does not impose a blanket ban on headphones. However, use of wireless communication in a hands-free manner is still allowed with an earpiece, lapel button, or Bluetooth. | It is against the law to hold your phone or other entertainment device while driving. This applies when stopped at red lights. |
| Quebec | In this province, a driver may wear an earphone or headphone in one ear but not in both ears. The fine ranges from $100 to $200. | Fines for first-offence portable-device violations range from $300 to $600 and also carry five demerit points. Don’t confuse this penalty with the one for wearing headphones in both ears. |
| Saskatchewan | Experienced drivers can use Bluetooth earpieces, wireless headsets and wired headsets to make hands-free cellphone calls. However, if you’re a driver under the graduated licensing program, you’re not allowed to use any hands-free devices. | It is illegal to hold, view, or manipulate a handheld phone or mobile device. |
| Alberta | Earphones aren’t specifically restricted, so if they’re controlled hands-free, including by voice activation, they aren’t prohibited. Listening to a personal audio player isn’t prohibited, as long as it is programmed before driving. | Programming a GPS or a portable audio player while driving is restricted. However, police can charge for other distracting behaviours if they interfere with the ability to operate the vehicle safely. |
| Prince Edward Island | Stage 1 and newly licensed drivers are not allowed to drive using headphones. This also applies when a person has care and control of a vehicle. The same applies to other listed handheld electronic devices. | It is against the rules to hold or operate a wireless communication device. However, an exception to this rule is dialling 911. |
Why The Safest Choice Is Usually The Vehicle’s Speakers
Use the speakers in the vehicle. Headphones may block you from hearing important noises, including horns, railroad crossing warnings, tire noise, sirens, and more.
Depending on factors such as headphone type, noise cancellation, volume, fit, and the ability to hear through the open ear, the use of headphones may be dangerous. Being allowed to make hands-free calls doesn’t mean it’s safe to use all types of listening devices equally. Reduce the volume as needed and keep both ears free when possible.
Will Driving With Headphones Affect Your Insurance?
Not necessarily. If you get into an accident while wearing headphones, report the loss so your insurer can assess the claim. Your insurer will consider the degree of fault, coverage, exclusions and conditions in your policy, as well as the evidence, before issuing a decision.
A conviction may go on your driving record. Whether your insurance rates go up depends on the offence, your province, your insurance company and insurance rating rules.
Read More: Review Ontario’s Distracted-Driving Laws
How To Listen To Music Safely While Driving
- Program your GPS, tune into a radio station or select a playlist or podcast before driving. Review your route before you set out.
- Make sure your phone is in driving mode and kept out of reach.
- Connect your music player or smartphone to your vehicle’s Bluetooth, so you won’t be tempted to fiddle with the device.
- Keep your volume at a level where you can still hear important environmental sounds.
- Park safely to make adjustments to devices if more than the permitted voice or one-touch action is required.
Read More: Review Tips for Safer Night Driving