Cell Phone Law
PAUL MILLER'S LAW
Pennsylvania's Hands-Free Driving Law
Effective June 5, 2025
📱🚫 If you're driving, don't hold your phone.
WHAT IS PROHIBITED?
❌ Holding a cell phone
❌ Supporting a phone with your hand, shoulder, lap, or body
❌ Dialing or answering while holding the device
❌ Reaching for a device in a way that requires leaving your normal seated, seat-belted position
❌ Using a phone while stopped at:
- Red lights
- Stop signs
- Traffic congestion
WHAT DEVICES ARE COVERED?
📱 Smartphones
📟 Tablets
💻 Portable Computers
📶 Any Interactive Mobile Device Used For:
- Calling
- Texting
- Internet Browsing
- Social Media
- Photos / Video
WHAT IS ALLOWED?
✅ Bluetooth
✅ Apple CarPlay
✅ Android Auto
✅ Mounted Devices
✅ Voice Commands
✅ Navigation Apps (mounted device)
✅ Music Apps (hands-free)
✅ Emergency Calls to:
- 911
- Police
- Fire
- EMS
✅ Using Your Phone After Safely Pulling Off the Road
PENALTIES
June 5, 2025 – June 5, 2026
⚠️ Written Warning Only
Beginning June 6, 2026
💲 $50 Fine
⚖️ Plus Court Costs
💰 Typical Total Cost: Approximately $200
Commercial Drivers (CDL)
🚚 Violations Recorded on CDL Driving Record
Serious Crashes
🚨 Injury or Death While Violating the Law May Result In:
- Aggravated Assault Charges
- Homicide Charges
- Up to 5 Additional Years Imprisonment
ENFORCEMENT
🚔 Primary Offense
Police may stop a driver solely for holding or supporting a phone.
LEGAL DEFINITION OF "DRIVING"
A driver is considered to be operating a vehicle even when:
🚦 Stopped at a red light
🛑 Stopped at a stop sign
🚗 Stopped in traffic
WHY THE LAW?
Named in memory of Paul Miller Jr., who was killed by a distracted driver reaching for a phone.
The law was enacted to reduce distracted-driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities throughout Pennsylvania.
REMEMBER
HANDS ON THE WHEEL.
EYES ON THE ROAD.
PHONE OUT OF YOUR HAND.
📱❌ Hold It = Violation
