The Lebanon County Regional Police Department wants to remind everyone of the upcoming hands free law.
Pennsylvania's "Paul Miller’s Law" strictly bans the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving. After a one-year grace period for educational warnings, the law goes into full effect tomorrow, June 5. Drivers caught holding or supporting a phone with any part of their body face a $50 fine, plus court costs and applicable fees.
Key details and guidelines regarding the mandate include:
- Where it Applies: The ban is active on all Pennsylvania roadways and prohibits device use even when temporarily stopped in traffic, at stop signs, or at red lights.
- What is Prohibited: You cannot hold, support, text, scroll, or dial your phone while the vehicle is in motion.
- What is Allowed: Hands-free technology (such as mounted GPS devices, Bluetooth, or voice-activated commands) remains completely legal. Hand-held use is only permitted if pulled over legally in a safe, stationary location off the active roadway, or if contacting emergency services to protect life and property.
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Enforcement: Police can pull you over as a primary offense for holding a device, meaning no other traffic violation is required for a traffic stop.
We urge motorists to utilize your vehicle's hands free option if equipped or wait until you can pull safely off the road to use your phone.