Originally posted by bikeman
In the great state of Ohio is it illegal to wear headphones while riding a bike (and I think while driving a car too). I never have or will wear them. I'd rather hear the traffic sneaking up behind me. I see people doing it all the time and nobody seems to get a ticket from the police. Probably like a seatbelt law. If you break another law they'll get you for the minor offense too.
I think that's the case in Washington as well, although I couldn't find the specific law. If a person were struck by a car while doing something unlawful, the motorist has a chance of being excused from responsibility on the technicality. If the person was seriously injured and needs expensive treatment, the insurance company that's insuring the motorist may have a strong incentive to challenge the claim. Food for thought, anyway...