Bill Permitting Motorcyclists to Wear Ear Protection One Step Closer to Becoming Law

COLUMBUS—Today the Ohio House unanimously approved State Representative Riordan McClain’s (R-Upper Sandusky) bill that permits motorcyclists to wear ear protection while on Ohio’s roads.

“I’m grateful to my fellow members of the House to see the benefit in affording riders on Ohio’s roadways another option in protection,” said McClain. “It is up to the individual rider to determine the level of protection for hearing and otherwise. I look forward to continuing this conversation in the Senate.”

Current law does not allow Ohio motorcycle riders to wear in-ear hearing protection in both ears while operating a motorized vehicle. The sound of the bike is actually only part of the harmful noise riders are exposed to as wind noise at highway speeds creates 85-100 decibels. Exposure to the combined loud noises while riding for extended periods of time while riding causes irreversible hearing loss.

House Bill 548 would extend an exemption to wearing hearing protection to motorcyclists. In-ear hearing protection reduces the harmful impact from the engine and the wind noise while not eliminating all sounds so that sirens, car horns, and even normal conversation with a riding partner is audible.

The legislation provides motorcyclists on Ohio roadways the opportunity to now legally enjoy riding as they choose with the level of hearing protection that they choose.

House Bill 548 will now go to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.