LANSDALE BOROUGH – Today, Friday, June 5, 2026, marks one year since Pennsylvania's Paul Miller's Law took effect.  While the law became effective on June 5, 2025, the past year served as an educational and warning period.  Beginning today, law enforcement officers may issue citations to drivers who violate the law.

The law prohibits drivers from using a hand-held mobile device while operating a vehicle, including when stopped at a red light, stop sign, or while sitting in traffic.

While many people know the law by name, fewer know the heartbreaking story behind it.

In 2010, 21-year-old Paul Miller Jr. was driving home on Route 33 in Monroe County when another driver became distracted by a mobile phone.  That driver crossed the median and struck Paul's vehicle head-on, killing him.  In the years that followed, Paul's mother, Eileen Miller, dedicated herself to raising awareness about distracted driving and advocating for stronger laws designed to prevent similar tragedies.  Her efforts ultimately helped bring about the legislation that now bears her son's name.

Paul Miller's Law expanded upon Pennsylvania's previous texting-while-driving ban.  Under the law, drivers may not hold or use a handheld device while driving for any purpose, including texting, browsing social media, watching videos, checking notifications, or using apps.  The law applies even when a vehicle is temporarily stopped in traffic or at a traffic signal.  Hands-free technology and emergency communications remain permitted.

The purpose of the law is simple: SAVE LIVES.

At the Lansdale Borough Police Department, we regularly see the consequences of distracted driving.  Many drivers believe that glancing at a text message, checking directions, or responding to a notification will only take a second.  Unfortunately, that second is often all it takes.  At highway speeds, a vehicle can travel the length of a football field while a driver's eyes are off the road.

Every crash has a story.  Every crash involves real people.  Behind every statistic is a parent, child, spouse, friend, neighbor, or coworker whose life may be permanently changed because someone looked away from the road.

Paul Miller's Law is not about writing tickets.  It is about encouraging safer driving habits and preventing families from experiencing the same loss that the Miller family endured.  The law serves as a reminder that no text message, social media post, email, or notification is worth risking a life.

As enforcement begins today, the Lansdale Borough Police Department encourages all motorists to develop safe, hands-free driving habits:

• Put your phone away before placing your vehicle in gear.

• Use Bluetooth or other hands-free technology when needed.

• Program GPS destinations before you begin driving.

• If you need to use your phone, safely pull over and park.

• Be a positive example for young drivers and passengers.

As we mark the end of the educational grace period and the beginning of enforcement, we encourage everyone to take a moment to consider their own driving habits.  Most distracted driving crashes are preventable.  The decision to put the phone down and focus on the road is a small action that can have life-changing consequences.

Every driver has the ability to make Pennsylvania's roads safer.  Sometimes the most important decision you can make behind the wheel is choosing not to pick up your phone.

One simple choice can prevent a tragedy.

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