Starting 6/5/2026, Persons driving a motor vehicle, including while the motor vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device or other momentary delay, may NOT use an interactive mobile device while driving a motor vehicle, and may be stopped and warned, or ticketed as a primary violation.   There is an Emergency Use exception if necessary to communicate with Law Enforcement or other emergency services to prevent injury to persons or property. By definition the following applies to "Use an interactive device";

1. Use at least one hand to hold or supporting with another part of the body, an interactive device.

2. Dialing or answering an interactive device by pressing more than one button.

3. Reaching for an interactive device in a manner that requires a driver to maneuver that the driver is no longer in a seated driving position, restrained by a seatbelt.

Drivers may move their vehicle to the side or off a highway and halt in a location where it can be safely remain stationary and use an interactive device.  

This enforceable Law Title 75 Sec. 3316.1 " Prohibiting use of interactive mobile device" applies to anyone operating a motor vehicle upon a highway ; delivery drivers, ride share operators, commercial vehicles, Emergency vehicles, bus drivers etc.  

The violation of this section is now punishable by a fine of $50 plus costs, with a total amount of a citation over $200.  

For the first year, Law Enforcement were only permitted to issue warnings.  

The Law is named for Paul Miller Jr. who was tragically killed in a crash with a tractor trailer in 2010 in Monroe County, as a result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving.  His Mother Eileen Miller has become a national advocate for stronger laws to combat distracted driving.  

There is sure to be some media exposure in the coming weeks with this law taking effect as a primary violation, in keeping with the "hands Free" approach in the Commonwealth's neighboring states.  Once again, please educate younger drivers in your household and please be a safe driver!