Pennsylvania is set to enforce the Paul Miller Law, a new distracted driving measure, starting this Friday. Police will now issue $50 fines to drivers caught holding or using an interactive mobile device while operating a vehicle. The law previously had a year-long warning period during which officers could only issue written warnings, but that period has now concluded, making violations subject to immediate citations.
What the Law Prohibits
Under the legislation, drivers are prohibited from holding a smartphone, tablet, or similar device, or supporting it with any part of their body, even when stopped at a red light or in traffic. This is considered a primary offense, meaning police can pull over drivers solely for this violation.
Permitted Hands-Free Use
While the law bans handheld device use, it permits hands-free technology such as Bluetooth and voice commands for calls, GPS navigation, and music. Exceptions include emergency calls to police or other services.
Background and Impact
The law is named after Paul Miller Jr., who died in a 2010 distracted driving crash. Its goal is to reduce the significant number of incidents. In 2024, nearly 10,000 distracted-driving crashes were reported in Pennsylvania, leading to 49 fatalities.
