Paul Miller’s Law Full Enforcement Begins TONIGHT!

 

Starting tonight at 12:00 a.m. (Friday, June 5), full enforcement of Paul Miller’s Law (Pennsylvania’s Distracted Driving/Hands-Free Law) will begin. What does this mean?

 

While the law officially took effect last year, Pennsylvania implemented a 1-year educational grace period where officers only issued written warnings. Tonight, that grace period ends. Moving forward, keeping our community safe means actively ticketing drivers who choose to drive distracted.

 

What you need to know to stay compliant in Pennsylvania:

No Handheld Use: It is a primary offense to hold or support any interactive mobile device (phone, tablet, smart device) with any part of your body while driving. Officers can pull you over solely for having a phone in your hand. 

Red Lights Count: The law applies even when you are temporarily stopped at a red light, stop sign, or sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

What’s Banned: Dialing, texting, emailing, browsing the internet, scrolling social media, or watching/recording videos while behind the wheel.

The Penalty: Violators face a  200 once court costs and administrative fees are added.

What IS allowed:

Using hands-free technology (Bluetooth, speakerphone, steering wheel controls, or voice commands).

Making a single tap or swipe to activate a feature on a device that is securely mounted to your dash or windshield.

Making an emergency call to 911 or emergency services.

Using your device only after you have safely pulled over and parked in a designated safe location off the roadway.

 

This law is named in memory of Paul Miller Jr., who tragically lost his life in a crash caused by a distracted driver. Our goal isn't to hand out tickets—it’s to prevent preventable tragedies and ensure everyone driving in the City of Lock Haven gets home safely.

Put the phone down, stay hands-free, and keep your eyes on the road.