06/05/2026
If you’re heading out on the road today, law enforcement will be placing increased emphasis on distracted driving and device usage behind the wheel.
Let’s be mindful not only of the law, but also of our actions. We all know that life can change in an instant. If that instant happens while we’re looking down at a phone instead of the road, the consequences can be life-changing for ourselves or someone else.
If you need to send a text, find a safe place to pull over or simply wait until you reach your destination. This isn’t just about complying with a new law… it’s about common sense and keeping everyone safe. 🙂
A Pennsylvania law banning the use of handheld devices while driving has been in effect since last June, with violators being issued warnings. Starting June 5, violators will instead face fines.
Paul Miller’s Law limits the use of handheld cellphones or other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. The law is named for a young man who was killed in a crash involving a distracted tractor-trailer driver in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, in 2010.
Under the law, driving while holding a mobile device is a primary violation, meaning police can pull over drivers solely for the violation. Effective June 6, violators will be issued a summary offense, which carries 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.
Drivers can still use their phones if using hands-free technology, such as a docking station, Bluetooth or speaker technology. You may also use your phone to contact emergency responders.
According to PennDOT, more than 11,000 crashes were the result of distracted driving, leading to 65 deaths and 6,700 injuries in 2023. Pennsylvania joins 28 other states with hands-free laws.
You can read more here:
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/traveling-in-pa/safety/traffic-safety-driver-topics/distracted-driving
