HARRISBURG, PA — Drivers in Pennsylvania who use handheld phones behind the wheel will face fines starting June 5, as enforcement begins under a new distracted driving law.
What This Means for You
- New Fines Begin June 5: Using a handheld phone while driving will result in a $50 fine, plus additional court costs.
- Applies Even When Stopped: The law covers drivers at red lights, in traffic, or other temporary stops.
- Hands-Free Still Allowed: Drivers may use hands-free devices, GPS, or phones in emergencies.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania State Police are reminding drivers that enforcement of Paul Miller’s Law will begin this summer, following a warning period after the law was signed in 2024.
What the Law Requires
Paul Miller’s Law prohibits drivers from using handheld mobile devices while operating a vehicle, including when stopped temporarily due to traffic or signals.
Drivers are still permitted to use hands-free technology for calls, navigation, and music, and may use their phones to contact emergency services.
Beginning June 5, violations will carry a $50 fine, in addition to court costs and fees.
Pennsylvania’s existing texting-while-driving ban remains in place, prohibiting drivers from sending, reading, or writing text messages while a vehicle is in motion.
Penalties and Legal Consequences
Officials said violations of distracted driving laws can carry more serious consequences depending on the outcome of a crash.
In cases involving serious injury or death, drivers may face charges such as homicide by vehicle or aggravated assault by vehicle, which carry significantly higher penalties.
Crash Data and Safety Concerns
According to PennDOT, distracted driving contributed to 9,950 crashes in 2024, resulting in more than 6,000 injuries and 49 deaths.
Officials noted that distracted driving is often underreported, as drivers may not disclose phone use after a crash.
“Distracted driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “We are asking all drivers to commit to putting the phone away while driving.”
State Police Acting Commissioner Lt. Col. George L. Bivens said troopers will begin issuing citations once the warning period ends, emphasizing that even brief distractions can lead to serious crashes.
Law’s Background
The law is named after Paul Miller Jr., who died in 2010 in a crash involving a distracted driver in Monroe County.
His mother, Eileen Miller, has advocated for stronger distracted driving laws since the crash.
“My son did everything right – he was killed by someone else’s unsafe choices behind the wheel,” Miller said.
Safety Recommendations
Officials urged drivers to take steps to avoid distractions, including pulling over to use a phone, relying on passengers to handle messages, and enabling “Do Not Disturb” features.
They also noted that distracted driving is one of several risky behaviors — along with impaired and aggressive driving — that contribute to the majority of fatal crashes statewide.
More Information
Additional details on distracted driving laws and safety tips are available at www.pa.gov/dotsafety.
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