Today, June 5, 2026, in keeping with Governor Shapiro’s commitment to safety on Pennsylvania roads, the Shapiro Administration made effective Paul Miller’s Law.
The measure, known as Paul Miller’s Law, prohibits drivers from holding a cell phone while operating a vehicle, even when stopped in traffic or at a red light. The law follows a one-year warning period.
Driving while texting is a deadly form of distracted driving. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds—at 55 mph, that is the equivalent of driving the entire length of a football field blindfolded.
Paul Miller, a 21-year-old from Scranton, was killed in a 2010 crash caused by a distracted tractor-trailer driver. His mother spent more than a decade advocating for a hands-free requirement, and the bill was signed into law last June.
Local Laws and Fines (Pennsylvania)
In Pennsylvania, the regulations surrounding phone use are strict, as the full enforcement of Paul Miller’s Law takes effect.
- The Rule: Drivers are strictly prohibited from using hand-held interactive mobile devices while operating a vehicle, including when temporarily stopped at red lights or in traffic.
- The Penalty: Violators face a $50 fine, plus additional court costs and fees.
- Primary Offense: Police officers can pull you over and issue a citation based solely on observing you holding or using the phone, with no other traffic violation required.
