Are you allowed to wear headphones while cycling? The answer isn't as simple as many think. What the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) actually say, when you could be partially at fault in an accident – and which headphones are the safer choice for road use.
By Vincent Augustin
3 minutes read time
About the author
Vincent Augustin
Vincent founded MYVELO together with Fabian. The two share a long-standing passion for cycling. Together they have cycled thousands of kilometers and fought for victories in the German racing bike league. The idea of founding MYVELO arose from their many years of experience and knowledge of what makes a good bike. Find out more about MYVELO now
Published: June 18, 2026
In short: No, there is no general ban on headphones for cyclists in Germany. However, the situation is more complicated than it initially appears – and this is precisely what causes uncertainty. Because even though there is no explicit ban, listening to music in both ears can place you in a legal gray area, which could prove costly in a worst-case scenario.
What the Road Traffic Regulations actually say
Unlike smartphones, there's no specific traffic violation for headphones in the German Road Traffic Regulations. There's no fixed fine for simply listening to music. Instead, there's a very specific obligation outlined in Section 23 Paragraph 1 of the Road Traffic Regulations : "Anyone driving a vehicle must ensure that their vision and hearing are not impaired by [...]." Since cyclists are also legally considered vehicle drivers, this obligation applies to you just as it does to car drivers.
This leads to a clear condition: You must be able to perceive your surroundings at all times – that is, to hear ringing bells, horns, approaching vehicles, or a siren. Whether this is still possible with your chosen volume and headphones will, in case of doubt, be decided by the police on site or later by a court.
When it gets expensive: The question of shared responsibility
Herein lies the real catch. Even without a specific fine, wearing headphones can be a significant disadvantage – namely, precisely when it has nothing to do with the police, but rather with an accident.
If a collision occurs and it turns out that you missed a warning signal due to loud music, you will often be held partially responsible during the claims settlement process – even if the other party was actually at fault. Legal expenses insurers like ARAG confirm: Anyone who fails to exercise due care by wearing headphones is generally at least partially at fault in the event of an accident – with the consequence that compensation or insurance payments may be reduced.
In practical terms, this means: You are not formally doing anything illegal, but you bear a real financial risk in the event of damage.
What is allowed – and what becomes risky
situation
Is it legally okay?
One ear free, one ear with headphones
✅ Usually unproblematic
Low volume, surroundings still audible
✅ Generally allowed
Both ears, loud music, surroundings no longer audible
⚠️ Breach of duty of care, risk of contributory negligence
Making phone calls with headphones (without holding a mobile phone)
✅ Allowed
Noise cancelling at maximum level in road traffic
⚠️ Strongly discouraged
The safer alternative: open-ear and bone conduction headphones
For those who don't want to forgo music or phone calls while cycling , open-ear or bone conduction headphones offer a more traffic-friendly solution. With these models, the ear canal remains unobstructed – the sound is transmitted either just past the ear or via vibration through the skull bone. Ambient sounds remain fully audible while you listen to music or make a call.
For the daily commute or the after-work ride, this is a good compromise between comfort and safety – completely without the risk of fines or being held partially at fault.
Why this is even more important for e-bikes
With an e-bike, you're generally faster than with a traditional bicycle – often 5–10 km/h faster, especially in the city. This means shorter reaction times, longer braking distances, and dangerous situations develop more quickly. A missed horn or an unheard siren has more serious consequences at higher speeds – both for your safety and for any subsequent legal issues.
Further information and FAQs about Cycling with headphones: Forbidden or allowed?
Get advice from cycling enthusiasts
No, there is no general prohibition. However, you must be able to perceive traffic noises such as horns or sirens at all times – otherwise you are violating the general duty of care according to § 1 of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO).
There is no specific fine for using headphones while driving. The risk lies more in being held partially responsible for an accident if it can be proven that a warning signal was ignored.
Yes, as long as you're not holding the phone in your hand. Making calls via headphones or hands-free is allowed – the prerequisite, as always, is that you can still perceive the traffic.
Open-ear and bone conduction headphones are recommended because they leave the ear canal open and don't block out ambient noise. Classic in-ear headphones with high volume or noise cancellation are the riskiest choice in traffic.
Yes, legally it makes no difference whether you ride a regular bicycle or an e-bike. However, due to the higher speed of an e-bike, being aware of your surroundings is even more important.
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