Starting June 5, 2025, Pennsylvania will enforce stricter distracted driving laws banning the use of all handheld electronic devices while driving.
After a one-year grace period of warnings, violators will face fines beginning in 2026 under the new “Paul Miller’s Law.”
What Happened
Pennsylvania’s new distracted driving law takes effect on June 5, 2025. It expands the state’s previous ban on texting while driving to cover all handheld electronic devices, including cellphones, tablets, and other gadgets.
The law is named after Paul Miller, a 21-year-old who tragically died in a 2010 crash caused by a distracted truck driver. Following years of advocacy by Miller’s family, Governor Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law in June 2024.
Key Details
- Full Ban: No handheld device use allowed while driving, including while stopped at red lights or in traffic.
- Prohibited Actions: Texting, emailing, browsing the internet, playing games, taking photos/videos, and social media posting.
- Calls: Holding a phone to the ear or propping it between shoulder and ear is banned.
- Allowed: Hands-free technology connected to car systems (e.g., Bluetooth for calls, GPS, music).
- Exceptions: Drivers may use devices when safely pulled over or to communicate with police and emergency services.
- Enforcement: The law is a primary offense, allowing police to stop drivers solely for device use.
- Penalties:
- 2025–2026: Written warnings only.
- Starting June 5, 2026: $50 fine plus court costs (~$200 total).
- Serious Consequences: Convictions for homicide by vehicle with distracted driving can result in up to five additional years in prison.
Reactions and Statements
Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the human cost of distracted driving at the bill signing:
“I have met too many people with injuries they’ll live with for the rest of their lives because they were hit by a distracted driver – and too many families that have an empty seat at the dinner table because of distracted driving.”
Paul Miller’s mother, who campaigned tirelessly for the law, said:
“My son did everything right – and somebody else was the one who was the cause of my son’s demise. I whispered in his ear that when I found out what caused that crash, I would fight for change.”
Investigation and What’s Next
Distracted driving caused over 11,000 accidents and 65 deaths in Pennsylvania in 2023, making it the state’s leading cause of crashes, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. The new law aligns Pennsylvania with 30 other states banning handheld device use behind the wheel.
Law enforcement agencies will focus on education and warnings during the first year. From June 2026, they will begin issuing fines, aiming to reduce accidents and save lives by encouraging safer driving habits.
FAQs
Q1: When does the new Pennsylvania handheld device ban start?
A1: The ban takes effect on June 5, 2025.
Q2: What devices are banned under the new law?
A2: All handheld electronic devices including phones, tablets, and devices used for texting, browsing, gaming, or social media.
Q3: Are hands-free devices allowed?
A3: Yes, hands-free technology connected to the car (Bluetooth, voice commands) is permitted.
Q4: What are the penalties for breaking the law?
A4: Written warnings will be issued in the first year. Starting June 5, 2026, violators face $50 fines plus court costs.
Q5: Can police stop drivers just for using a handheld device?
A5: Yes, using a handheld device while driving is a primary offense.
Summary / Final Takeaway
Pennsylvania’s new distracted driving law marks a significant step toward improving road safety by banning all handheld device use behind the wheel starting June 2025.
After an initial warning period, strict fines will help enforce safer driving practices. This law honors Paul Miller’s legacy and aims to prevent tragedies caused by distracted driving statewide.
