🚨 Paul Miller’s Law is now in full effect.

As of June 5, 2026, Pennsylvania’s grace period is officially over.  Law enforcement is transition from issuing warnings to actively writing tickets for holding your phone while driving.

Here is what you need to know to stay safe and avoid a ticket on PA roads:

📵 The Golden Rule: No Handheld Devices

It is now illegal to hold or support with your body any interactive mobile device while driving.

• This includes phones, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops.
• It covers texting, talking, scrolling social media, checking your GPS, or taking photos.
• Yes, this includes red lights: The law applies even if you are temporarily stopped in traffic or at a stop sign.

🚔 It’s a Primary Offense

Police do not need another reason to pull you over.  If an officer sees a phone in your hand while you are driving, that alone is enough to get you stopped and ticketed.

💰 The Penalties

• The Fine: A violation carries a $50 fine, plus court costs and fees.
• The Extreme Risk: If distracted driving results in a fatal crash, offenders can face a Homicide by Vehicle charge, which carries up to an additional 5 years in prison.

🟢 What IS Allowed?

You don't have to go completely off the grid: you just have to go hands-free.  

You can still use your device through:

• Built-in Bluetooth systems
• Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
• Steering wheel controls or voice commands
• The Exception: You are legally allowed to handle your phone to make an emergency call to 911, police, or emergency services.

The Story Behind the Law: This legislation is named in memory of Paul Miller Jr., a 21-year-old from Scranton who was tragically killed in 2010 when a distracted truck driver crossed a highway median and struck his car head-on.  For over a decade, his family fought tirelessly to pass a hands-free law in PA to ensure no other family has to endure that pain.

Before you put the car in drive, connect your Bluetooth, set your GPS, and drop your phone in the console. Let's keep PA roads safe.