Pennsylvania’s Distracted Driving Law (known as Paul Miller’s Law).

The law prohibits as a primary offense any driver from using an interactive mobile device (IMD) while driving a motor vehicle.

The law:

• Defines an interactive mobile device as a handheld wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, portable or mobile computer, or similar device which can be used for voice communication texting, emailing, browsing the Internet, instant messaging, playing games, taking or transmitting images, recording or broadcasting video, creating or sharing social media, or otherwise sending or receiving electronic data.
• Defines driving a operating a motor vehicle on a highway, including anytime the motor vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device (e.g., a traffic light or stop sign), or other momentary delay.
• Defines the use of an interactive mobile device as using at least one hand to hold or supporting with another part of the body, an interactive mobile device, dialing or answering an interactive mobile device by pressing more than a single button, or reaching for an interactive mobile device that required the driver to maneuver so that the driver is not longer in a seated driving position, restrained by a seat belt.

The Penalties:

• For the first 12 months, the penalty is a written warning.
• Effective June 5 2026, the penalty is a summary offense with a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.

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

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 safety remain stationary. The hands-free law allows for emergency use exception if necessary to communicate with a law enforcement official or other emergency service to prevent injury to persons or property.

In 2023, there were 11,262 crashes involving a distracted driver in Pennsylvania, resulting in 65 fatalities and 409 suspected injuries. Don’t become the cause of a distracted driver statistic, put the device down so that everyone makes it to their destinations safely!