Headphones and smartphones while cycling: What is permitted

Headphones and smartphones are not automatically prohibited on a bicycle. However, only use that does not impair your vision, hearing, or control of the vehicle and that meets the strict conditions for electronic devices is permitted. Holding your phone in your hand while riding, reading messages, or looking at a map for an extended period does not qualify. For anything requiring more than a brief, situation-appropriate glance, stopping safely is the clear solution.

The short answer

Section 23 of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) establishes two levels. First, your vision and hearing must not be impaired by devices. Second, an electronic communications, information, or organizational device may be used while riding only if it is neither picked up nor held and either voice control or the read-aloud function is used exclusively, or only a brief glance adapted to the situation is required. A holder alone therefore does not meet all the requirements.

Smartphone: Holding it is the first clear boundary

Anyone who takes their smartphone out of their pocket while riding, holds it in their hand, and operates it violates the basic requirement of Section 23(1a). This does not apply only to phone calls. Reading a message, entering an address, searching through a playlist, filming, or taking photographs also constitutes device use. Whether the bicycle is moving slowly or you believe you know the route well does not change this requirement.

A device attached to the bicycle can meet the requirement of “not picked up or held.” However, this does not automatically make every form of use permissible. Your glance must remain brief and be appropriate to the road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions. On an empty, clear stretch, a brief navigation prompt may be assessed differently from the same glance at an intersection, in heavy traffic, or in the rain. If you have to search, scroll, or correct an entry, stop in a safe place.

Voice control and read-aloud

The StVO expressly mentions voice control and read-aloud functions. Navigation started in advance that announces turn-by-turn directions reduces the glances required. A call via a hands-free function can also be made without holding the device. Nevertheless, attention and hearing remain essential. An emotional conversation, misunderstood voice commands, or repeated corrections can be so distracting that safe control of the vehicle is impaired, even though the phone is not in your hand.

Prepare for the journey: enter your destination, check the route, adjust the volume, and mute notifications before setting off. Voice commands are not a reason to solve a technical problem during a difficult maneuver. If the device does not respond immediately, continue riding attentively or stop safely.

Headphones: permitted as long as they do not impair your hearing

There is no general ban on headphones for cyclists. However, Section 23(1) requires that your hearing not be impaired by devices. You must be able to perceive bells, traffic sounds, calls, and especially emergency signals in good time. ADFC and ADAC therefore point out that music played too loudly is problematic both legally and in practice.

The German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) specify neither a fixed decibel limit nor a blanket one-ear rule. Even a single earbud may be set too loud; conversely, two quiet headphones do not automatically guarantee safe awareness. Active noise cancellation can further dampen ambient sounds. What matters is the result in the specific environment. On confusing, noisy, or heavily trafficked routes, going without them is the most reliable choice.

Typical situations at a glance

A quick glance is not a fixed number of seconds

The regulation does not specify a universal time limit. “Briefly” depends on the traffic situation and must be compatible with turning your gaze away from the traffic around you for an appropriate amount of time. Even an apparently brief glance can be too long at an intersection. Anyone who memorizes a number overlooks the key point: The bicycle must remain under control, and attention must first be directed where the situation is changing.

Therefore, use the screen only for simple information that can be understood immediately. Zooming, opening menus, or reading text should be done while stopped. If the route becomes unclear, do not swerve hurriedly across a lane. Remain predictable, look for a safe place to stop, and correct the route there.

Practical routine without product advice

1. Before setting off: Set your route, audio, emergency contact, and notifications.
2. While riding: Keep both hands ready for steering and braking; do not pick up or hold devices.
3. When receiving an announcement: Check the traffic situation first, then look briefly at most at information that is easy to understand at a glance.
4. If you are unsure: Stop using the device and head to a safe place away from traffic.
5. When listening: Choose the volume and mode so that warning and ambient sounds can be heard reliably; if in doubt, ride without audio.

Frequently asked questions

Is it permitted to ride a bicycle while wearing headphones?

Yes, there is no blanket ban. However, they must not impair your hearing to the extent that you can no longer perceive traffic, bells, calls, or emergency signals in good time.

Is a smartphone mounted on the handlebars automatically permitted?

No. The mount only resolves the issue of picking up and holding the device. Its use and your line of sight must also comply with the requirements of Section 23.

May I dictate a message using voice control?

Voice control is provided for in the regulation. However, it must not distract you to the extent that you can no longer safely control the bicycle or assess the traffic situation. Difficult inputs should be made while safely stopped.

Is there a permitted volume in decibels?

The German Road Traffic Regulations do not specify a blanket decibel limit. What matters is whether your hearing is impaired in the specific situation.

As of September 5, 2026. This article provides general information for Germany and is not legal advice. In the event of a specific allegation or accident, professional advice tailored to the individual case is required.