05/12/2026
Pennsylvania Law Update -
A reminder from Fountain Hill Police Officer Association Inc.
What the Law Says:
Paul Miller’s Law is Pennsylvania’s new hands-free driving law. It makes it illegal for drivers to use or hold a handheld phone or other electronic device while driving.
This includes:
Texting
Scrolling social media
Holding a phone during calls
Watching videos
Browsing the internet
Using apps while driving
The law also applies when stopped at:
Red lights
Stop signs
Traffic jams
Drivers may still use:
Hands-free Bluetooth devices
Voice commands
GPS mounted in the vehicle
Phones during emergencies to contact 911
The law is named after Paul Miller Jr., who was killed by a distracted driver in Pennsylvania.
Fines and Penalties
Beginning June 5, 2026, drivers can receive:
A $50 fine
Plus court costs and additional fees
Police can stop drivers solely for holding or using a phone because it is a primary offense.
If distracted driving causes a fatal crash, drivers may face:
Additional criminal charges
Up to 5 extra years in prison in serious cases involving homicide by vehicle.
Effective Dates
Law signed: June 5, 2024
Warning period: June 5, 2025 – June 4, 2026
Full fines and enforcement begin: June 5, 2026
“Under Pennsylvania’s Paul Miller’s Law, drivers cannot hold or use a handheld phone or electronic device while driving, even at red lights or in traffic. Beginning June 5, 2026, violations may result in a $50 fine plus court costs and additional penalties.”
