As of June 5, 2025, Pennsylvania's new distracted driving legislation, known as Paul Miller’s Law, is officially in effect statewide. This law prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at red lights or in traffic.
Under Paul Miller’s Law, drivers are not allowed to:
- Hold or touch a phone or any handheld device while driving.
- Text, scroll, email, or browse on a device.
- Use a device while stopped at red lights, in traffic, or during any temporary stop.
- Reach for a device in a manner that requires the driver to move out of a seated, seatbelted position.
Drivers may:
- Use hands-free technology, such as voice commands or mounted devices, to make calls, navigate, or play music.
- Press a single button to initiate or end a call.
- Use a device to contact emergency services.
Penalties:
- Violators will receive written warnings from June 5, 2025, to June 5, 2026.
- Starting June 6, 2026, violations will result in a $50 fine plus court costs.
- If a distracted driver causes a fatal accident, they may face up to five additional years in prison.
Paul Miller’s Law is named in memory of Paul Miller Jr., a 21-year-old who tragically lost his life in 2010 due to a distracted driver.
Go here for more information: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/traveling-in-pa/safety/traffic-safety-driver-topics/distracted-driving.html