A new law went into effect last month for Pennsylvania drivers prohibiting the use of handheld cellphones while driving.
Effective June 5, the state of Pennsylvania began the “Paul Miller’s Law” that prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving, but also while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other momentary delay.
There was a law already in effect banning texting while driving.
Maryland and West Virginia have similar laws prohibiting drivers from using handheld devices and texting while driving.
The new law is named after Paul Miller, a 21-year-old man who was killed by a distracted tractor-trailer driver in a 2010 Monroe County car accident.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 37 into law on June 5, 2024.
From June 5, 2025, through June 5, 2026, law enforcement in Pennsylvania will only be issuing warnings, but on June 6, 2026, law enforcement will have the ability to issue summary citations to violators. That could carry a $50 fine plus court costs for first time offenders.
Under this new law, drivers can still use their phones to alert emergency responders and, if using hand-free technology, make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music.
Paul Miller’s Law will also work to prevent bias in policing by requiring law enforcement to collect data on drivers pulled over during traffic stops, including race, ethnicity, and gender.
That data will be made publicly available in an annual report.
According to PennDOT data, there were 9,950 crashes in 2024 involving a distracted driver, resulting in more than 6,000 injuries and 49 fatalities.
Pennsylvania officials said distracted driving crash data is believed to be underreported due to many drivers’ not wanting to admit being distracted at the time of the crash.
State officials offer a couple steps drivers can follow to not be distracted while driving:
–If you are expecting a text message or need to send one that can’t wait, pull over and park your car in a safe location before using your device.
–Ask a passenger to be your “designated texted” and allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
–Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
–Cellphone use is habit-forming and officials suggest activating your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put the phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
–Cellphone use is not only distraction while driving as anything that takes your attention away from driving, eyes off the road, or hands off the wheel is a distraction.
Driver behavior is the leading factor in 83% of the crashes that occur annually in Pennsylvania. Those behaviors include driving distracted, impaired, or aggressive.
