[MDairheads] Hearing Protection ?

[Jim McKinna]

Alan,

I know Matt answered the question.  Curiosity got the best of me.

The MVA sent this PDF which has the official language.

"Thank you for contacting the Motorcycle Safety Program about ear plug use.  Attached is our MD Motorcycle Law Handout.  See page 2, number 15.

I trust this helps.  Feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions about, or related to, this topic.

Regards.

Philip Sause, Section Manager, Motorcycle Safety Program “
psause at mdot.maryland.gov <mailto:psause at mdot.maryland.gov>



> On Nov 25, 2019, at 3:31 PM, romefelt <romefelt at yahoo.com> wrote:
> 

> My life has come full circle !!!
> 
> Back when I raced bicycles, I used to spend hours alone on my Time Trial Bike.
> Someone smarter that me suggested that if I were going to listen to my Walkman when I trained (that's how long ago it was !), that I cut off one of the ear buds.
> 
> So, as Marylanders,  we can leagally wear one ear plug, one ear bud or two custom molded earplugs, provided that we can hear a siren or horn.
> 
> Sounds like it's time for a march on Annapolis for sensible hearing protection laws !!
> 
> Best regards,
> Alan
> cell: 410.409.1041
> 
> 
> On Monday, November 25, 2019, 02:22:42 PM EST, matthew brewer <matbrewer at yahoo.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Here is a link to the relevant law in MD.   In summary, wearing earplugs (and headphones) in both ears while driving any motor vehicle is prohibited, except this does not apply to the following.  
> 
> (3) A person wearing personal hearing protectors in the form of custom earplugs or molds that are designed to reduce injurious noise levels. However, custom plugs or molds shall be designed in such a manner as to not inhibit the wearer's ability to hear a siren or horn from an emergency vehicle or a horn from another vehicle; or
> 
> I'll leave it to you to determine whether your custom molded ear plugs are designed so as to not inhibit your ability to hear a siren or horn.
> 
> Matt
> 
> 
> 2010 Maryland Code :: TRANSPORTATION :: TITLE 21 - VEHICLE LAWS - RULES OF THE ROAD :: Subtitle 11 - Miscellaneous Rules :: Section 21-1120 - Wearing earphones, headsets, etc., prohibited. <https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2010/transportation/title-21/subtitle-11/21-1120/>
> 
> 2010 Maryland Code :: TRANSPORTATION :: TITLE 21 - VEHICLE LAWS - RULE...
>  <https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2010/transportation/title-21/subtitle-11/21-1120/>
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Monday, November 25, 2019, 01:53:16 PM EST, romefelt via MDAirheads <mdairheads at casano.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Jim -
> Curiosity got the better part of me.I sent the following message, but DID NOT cc anyone or organization:
> "I have heard various stories about what Maryland Law allows for hearing protection while riding a motorcycle.I own disposible foam ear plugs, commercially available / motorcycle-specific ear plugs and also custom-molded plugs.What may someone use ?"
> I'll let you know what they say, as soon as it hits my in box.
> 
> Best regards,Alancell: 410.409.1041 
> 
>     On Monday, November 25, 2019, 01:16:53 PM EST, Jim McKinna <jmcbell6608 at gmail.com <mailto:jmcbell6608 at gmail.com>> wrote:  
> 
> Alan,
> Since you bring it up, and it is a good question, why not check on the web at the MD MVA.
> motorcyclesafety at mdot.state.md.us <mailto:motorcyclesafety at mdot.state.md.us>
> Let us know what they say.
> Jim
> 
> 
> On Nov 25, 2019, at 10:55 AM, romefelt via MDAirheads <mdairheads at casano.com <mailto:mdairheads at casano.com>> wrote:
> Felllow Hedz:
> Like probably the rest of you, I am trying to preserve what little hearing that I have left.I've been reluctant to use foam or other ear plugs while riding for fear that they aren't legal in Maryland and my wearing them could constitute "contributory neglignece" in a crash, regardless of how "right" I might be.
> A recent article on the subject in Motorcycle Consumer News by a former NY State Police Motor Officer said that molded earplugs were legal in Maryland.I used these for many years as a competitive skeet shooter and they were both comfortable and reduced noise.
> Do any of you know any more about the legality of molded plugs for riding motorcycles in Maryland ??
> 
> Best regards,Alancell: 410.409.1041
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