Violations issued for Pennsylvania's Paul Miller's law takes effect June 5, 2026, one year after the bill was signed into law. 

Since June 5, 2025, drivers were issued warnings if they were caught on a hand-held device while driving. 

On June 5, 2026, drivers who violate the law will be issued a $50 fine plus court costs on the first offense, with penalties increasing for subsequent violations. 

The law was named after Paul Miller, Jr., a 21-year-old who was killed by a distracted commercial truck driver in 2010. 

The law aims to reduce distracted driving by banning drivers from holding or using any handheld devices while operating a vehicle, including being stopped at traffic lights. 

The law prohibits holding the phone while talking, texting, sending emails, taking pictures, using apps, or browsing the internet. 

According to pa.gov, a driver may use an interactive mobile device if the driver moves the vehicle to the side of or off a highway and halts in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary. The hands-free law allows for an emergency use exception if it is necessary to communicate with a law enforcement official or other emergency service to prevent injury to persons or property.