In 2025, Montreal police handed out 1,600 citations to cyclists caught wearing earphones, applying a provincial road safety rule that allows drivers to use a single earphone but prohibits cyclists from using any while riding.
The citations were issued across the city after officers observed cyclists with earbuds or headphones, a practice that the Quebec road safety code expressly forbids for two‑wheel users. Police officials said the enforcement action reflects the legal distinction between motor‑vehicle drivers, who may keep one earphone in place, and cyclists, who must remain fully audible to surrounding traffic.
François Joly, a spokesperson for the Montreal police, confirmed that the tickets were part of a targeted campaign to reinforce compliance with the regulation. He noted that the number of citations issued in 2025 demonstrates the department’s focus on reducing distractions that could impair cyclists’ awareness on the road.
Two traffic safety specialists, speaking on the matter, explained that the rule is intended to protect both cyclists and other road users. They highlighted that earphones can limit a rider’s ability to hear horns, sirens, and other warning sounds, increasing the risk of collisions. The specialists also pointed out that allowing a single earphone for drivers does not create the same level of risk because drivers remain inside a protected vehicle.
Under Quebec’s broader road safety framework, the distinction between drivers and cyclists remains clear: motorists may keep one earphone for navigation or calls, while cyclists must keep both ears free. The rise in violations and the 1,600 tickets issued this year illustrate the city’s commitment to enforcing that standard.
The enforcement effort is expected to continue as authorities monitor compliance and aim to maintain safe conditions for all road participants in Montreal.