SECTION 1. Section 31-23-51 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-23 entitled "Equipment and Accessories Generally" is hereby amended to read as follows:

31-23-51. Earphones and headsets prohibited. --A person shall not drive a bicycle or motor vehicle upon any highway while wearing earphones or a headset. Any person who violates this section shall be fined the sum of thirty-five dollars ($35.00) for the first offense, seventy dollars ($70.00) for the second offense, and one hundred forty dollars ($140) for the third and each subsequent offense.

However, this section shall not apply to any emergency vehicle operator using an integrated intercom system.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.