HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania drivers face new penalties for using handheld phones behind the wheel beginning Friday, while state and local police prepare to launch a series of summer enforcement campaigns targeting impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving.
What This Means for You
- Drivers convicted under Paul Miller’s Law will face a $50 fine starting June 5, plus court costs and fees.
- State police and local departments will conduct DUI checkpoints and roving patrols beginning June 15 through the Fourth of July holiday period.
- An aggressive driving enforcement campaign focused on speeding and other dangerous behaviors will run from July 6 through August 16.
PennDOT, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced the summer safety initiatives as the Commonwealth prepares for a busy travel season that will include major events such as the FIFA World Cup 26™, the MLB All-Star Game, and America250PA celebrations.
Officials said millions of visitors are expected to travel through Pennsylvania this summer, increasing traffic volumes on highways and local roads.
Handheld Phone Ban Enters Enforcement Phase
Beginning June 5, drivers convicted of violating Paul Miller’s Law will be subject to a $50 fine in addition to court costs and other fees.
The law, signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro, prohibits drivers from using handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle, including when temporarily stopped in traffic or at a red light.
Drivers may still use hands-free technology for calls, navigation, and music, and can use a phone to contact emergency services when necessary.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll urged motorists to comply with the law.
“Please put the phone down when you are driving,” Carroll said. “It’s not only dangerous, it’s now also illegal. Slow down, be kind, and never drive impaired by any substance.”
Law Named for Distracted Driving Victim
Paul Miller’s Law is named after Paul Miller Jr., who was killed in a Monroe County crash in 2010 when another driver reached for a phone while driving, according to state officials.
Since then, Miller’s mother, Eileen Miller, has advocated for stronger distracted driving laws nationwide.
“This law will save lives and that is the most important thing,” Miller said. “I don’t want any parent to ever have to go to a morgue to identify their child — like I did — because of something so preventable.”
Pennsylvania’s existing texting-while-driving law remains in effect. State officials also noted that drivers whose actions result in serious crashes could face additional criminal charges, including homicide by vehicle or aggravated assault by vehicle, depending on the circumstances.
DUI Enforcement Planned for Holiday Travel
Beginning June 15 and continuing through the Fourth of July holiday period, Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement agencies will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols as part of the Fourth of July Impaired Driving Campaign.
The enforcement effort is supported by more than $6.7 million in annual federal impaired-driving enforcement funding distributed through PennDOT.
According to PennDOT data, 52 alcohol-related crashes occurred between July 4 and 6 a.m. on July 5 in 2025, resulting in one death and 27 injuries.
During the same period, 11 drug-related crashes resulted in one death and nine injuries.
Officials reported that from June through August 2025, Pennsylvania recorded 2,190 impaired-driving crashes that resulted in 85 fatalities and 1,552 injuries.
Speeding Enforcement Campaign Begins in July
State officials are also preparing for the next Aggressive Driving Enforcement Wave, which runs from July 6 through August 16.
The campaign will focus on speeding, tailgating, red-light violations, pedestrian safety, and commercial truck violations.
According to PennDOT, 952 crashes involving at least one speeding driver occurred between June and August last year, resulting in 61 deaths and 818 injuries.
PennDOT invests approximately $18.4 million annually in federal grant funding for aggressive-driving enforcement efforts conducted by state and local police departments.
“No matter the distance or destination, safety should be your top priority this summer,” said Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Patrol Director Major Thomas A. Hertlein. “The Pennsylvania State Police will be conducting proactive enforcement activities to target impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving.”
Turnpike Expects Heavy Summer Traffic
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission projects more than 58 million travelers will use the toll road system this summer.
Turnpike officials said motorists will continue to encounter major construction projects, including final reconstruction work east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension.
The commission also reported that its dedicated state police troop issued hundreds of distracted-driving citations in 2025, particularly during peak travel periods and ongoing infrastructure projects.
By the end of 2026, toll booth removal on portions of the Turnpike’s Northeast Extension is expected to be completed as part of the system’s transition to Open Road Tolling, which allows vehicles to travel through tolling areas without stopping.
Officials Urge Courtesy Behind the Wheel
Transportation and safety officials emphasized that safe driving extends beyond obeying traffic laws.
According to a study cited by AAA, 96% of drivers admit to engaging in at least one aggressive driving behavior. The study also found that drivers exposed to aggressive behavior are more likely to respond with aggressive actions themselves.
“Behaviors like speeding, tailgating and cutting off other vehicles puts lives at risk,” said AAA Central Penn Director of Marketing and Member Experience Nate Pigott. “We encourage all drivers to be safe and courteous.”
Next Steps
Pennsylvania’s handheld device law enters its penalty phase on June 5. Impaired-driving enforcement efforts begin June 15, followed by the state’s next aggressive-driving enforcement campaign on July 6.
Officials said motorists should expect increased enforcement visibility throughout the summer travel season as Pennsylvania prepares to host several major national and international events.
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