Can you wear headphones while riding a bicycle in California?

In California, wearing headphones while cycling (in either ear) is prohibited as per Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 21200(d). This law aims to prevent distractions and risks caused by the impairment of hearing on cyclists, especially when navigating through roadways, intersections, and mixed traffic scenarios. Cyclists may use devices that transmit sound through speakers placed near the ear rather than directly in the ear, as these comply with CVC 21200(d).