Want to put a little rhythm to your daily commute, to extend the listening of your podcast? To add music to your routes, many cyclists use headphones, which is prohibited by regulations. Let's discover together the alternatives to listen to your favorite tracks legally.
Music on a bike: What does the law say?
Since 1 July 2015, the law clearly states: "Since 1 July 2015, it is also prohibited to wear in the ear any device likely to emit sound by the driver of a vehicle in circulation, with the exception of electronic devices correcting deafness. Earphones for making phone calls or listening to music are part of this prohibition."
So it is therefore forbidden to ride a bike in France with headphones, Bluetooth headphones, headphones or earpieces. Concretely, this is the same law that prohibits motorists from making phone calls while driving. Cyclists simply don't have anything in their ears.
In the car, bluetooth is only allowed if it is integrated into the vehicle. A motorist is also not allowed to use headphones on the road.
Bicycle headphones: The main reasons for this ban
Safety is the main reason for this ban. With this type of audio device on the road, the person is cut off from his external environment: less perception of dangers and other users, less attention if a car arrives. This hinders a good intake of information to minimize the risks.
In addition, the secondary objective is to prohibit, rightly, the followers of the little queen not to call while driving, a practice that is dangerous. Well, we still meet a lot of people who make calls during their two-wheeled journey…
What is the fine if I use headphones on a bike?
This offence is punishable by a fixed fine of €135. It is reduced to 90 € if you pay within 15 days. Conversely, after 45 days, it increases to 375 €. On your bicycle, you cannot lose points.
What audio devices are allowed on bicycles?
Unlike automobiles that can use the in-vehicle systems, on bicycles, there is no authorized system in the state.
Bone conduction helmets are sometimes touted as the silver bullet. But do not be fooled by some websites: it is also prohibited since February 07, 2017.
The requests initiated by the company AfterShokz (now Shokz ) were rejected on that date. It seemed like a good compromise between audio accompaniment and outdoor environment. But no debate since the Council of State has decided to outlaw them.
What solutions to listen to music on a bike finally?
So there is no ideal solution to listen to your favorite song. Let's find out what's legally feasible (but that doesn't have to impose musical tastes on all the other bikers!).
Smartphone holder
By equipping yourself with a mount to install directly on the handlebars, you can listen to music using your phone's built-in speaker. The sound quality is directly related to that of your phone's speaker.
The first prices start from 20 euros up to more than 50 euros for the magnetic versions, which are the easiest to use.
There are multifunction phone holders (lighting, horn, charger) that are an interesting solution.
Bluetooth speaker
Ideally waterproof, there are now different types of audio systems that also hang on the hanger or other possibility, which are adapted to the dimensions of a bottle door. Yes, to go to work by bike, this location is usually available, you do not necessarily need water for your commute.
Alternative solutions exist to listen to music on a bike in France. Nevertheless, from a safety, noise and respect for other users, we can only encourage you not to abuse decibels during your daily journeys.
There are already enough scooters in Akrapovic exhaust mode that break our ears, followed a few seconds later by his tuning fan buddy who makes the whole street enjoy his summer compil …
Keep in mind that it is forbidden to have headphones under your headphones, controls are more and more frequent especially in Paris. So, enjoy the peace and quiet and take the time to chat with the other cyclists!
Otherwise, with a little gear, complicit bikes, you can always do like our English friends. We let you choose your musical genre!
