Is it illegal to wear headphones to use a map while driving a motorbike?
Many people have the habit of wearing headphones to listen to map instructions while driving a motorbike because they are not familiar with the road. However, this seemingly harmless behavior can result in the driver being fined according to regulations.
In big cities or when traveling through unfamiliar areas, many people often open map applications to determine the route. Most applications today integrate GPS and voice navigation features. Therefore, many people choose to wear headphones to conveniently follow instructions without having to stop to look up while driving.
Talk to PVAdolescent,Mr. Le Hoang Huu Phuoc - a student at a university in Ho Chi Minh City said: "When I first came to the city, I was very "blind" about the roads, unable to remember all the routes in the city center. Therefore, I often wear headphones to use the map to guide me through voice, thanks to that I avoid getting lost".
Similarly, Mr. TQV, a technology car driver in Ho Chi Minh City, also shared that although he drives every day, he is still not familiar with all the routes, so every time he runs a new trip, he has to use headphones to listen to the map for convenience, to avoid having to stop the car in the middle of the road.
However, wearing headphones while driving a motorbike, although convenient, contains many risks and regulations also punish this case.
What is the penalty for wearing headphones to listen to a navigation map?
Pursuant to Point d, Clause 4, Article 7 of Decree 168/2024/ND-CP (Decree 168), motorcyclists using audio equipment (except hearing aids) while driving will be subject to an administrative fine of VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000. In addition, violators will also have 4 points deducted from their driving license as prescribed in Point b, Clause 13, Article 7 of the same Decree.
More seriously, in case of causing a traffic accident, the fine will increase from 10 to 14 million VND, and 10 points will be deducted from the driver's license according to point b, clause 10 and point d, clause 13, article 7 of Decree 168.
Motorcyclists who do not listen to music, make phone calls, and only use headphones to listen to the map for directions will still be punished because this is a prohibited behavior while driving. The law does not distinguish between purposes of use, but only clearly stipulates that audio devices cannot be used while driving a motorbike.
To ensure compliance with legal regulations and to facilitate route tracking, motorcyclists can mount their landline phones on their vehicles using a bracket in an easily visible location. With the real-time GPS positioning function, the map will update the route, making it easy for the driver to observe without having to operate the device while driving. Most importantly, this method does not violate the law, because the driver does not use the phone while driving.
However, it should also be noted that frequently looking at the phone screen while driving a motorbike also causes loss of concentration, potentially causing accidents. Therefore, before moving, the driver needs to preview the route, mark important intersections and only glance at the map when absolutely necessary, avoiding driving while constantly looking at the phone.