This is a reminder that fines for the new distracted driving law in Pennsylvania known as the Paul Miller's Law start on Friday, June 5, 2026.  This new law went into effect last year on June 5, 2025, with a 1-year education phase.  This new law is a PRIMARY offense and prohibits any driver from using   any interactive handheld mobile device to send, read or write a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle, even while stopped at a traffic light, stop sign or any other momentary delay.

Penalties:

     -  Starting June 5, 2026, the fine is $50 plus court costs and other fees.

     -  There are no points.

     -  Violations will not be recorded on the driving record for non-commercial drivers.  For commercial driver's it will be recorded as a non-sanction violation.

     -  If a driver is convicted of homicide by vehicle and driving while distracted, they may be sentence up to an additional 5 years in prison.

The texting ban does NOT include the use of a GPS device, a system or device physically or electronically integrated into the vehicle or a communications device that is affixed to a mass transit vehicle, bus or school bus.

For more information visit: Distracted Driving Fact Sheet

The Stroud Area Regional Police would like to remind driver's that while operating a vehicle, 100% of your focus should be on the task of driving.