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Pennsylvania Enforces Paul Miller’s Law Against Handheld Devices While Driving

Drivers in Pennsylvania are now required to use hands-free devices while driving to enhance road safety.

News Summary

On June 5, Pennsylvania will enact Paul Miller’s Law, banning the use of handheld devices while driving, even when stopped. This law aims to increase road safety by reducing distractions and aligns with regulations in 31 other states. Violators may face fines starting at $50, escalating for serious incidents. The law also mandates data collection to prevent racial bias in traffic stops, marking a significant step towards safer driving practices in the state.

Pennsylvania Enforces Paul Miller’s Law: Handheld Device Use While Driving Now Prohibited Starting June 5

Effective June 5, Pennsylvania will enforce a new law, known as Paul Miller’s Law, which prohibits the use of any interactive mobile device while driving. This legislation builds upon the state’s 2012 texting and driving law, broadening the scope to include all handheld devices, even when stopped at traffic lights or in traffic.

The introduction of this law aligns Pennsylvania with 31 other states and the District of Columbia that have implemented similar bans on handheld device use while driving. The objective is to enhance road safety by minimizing distractions that contribute to accidents.

Under this law, drivers must either utilize hands-free technology or safely pull off the road to use their mobile devices, except when calling emergency services. During the first year of enforcement, law enforcement will focus on issuing warnings for violations. Starting June 6, 2026, violators can expect to face a $50 fine for summary offenses.

The law stipulates that any part of the body used to support a device, pressing multiple buttons, or reaching for a device in a way that disrupts the driver’s seating position will be considered a violation. Additional charges may be applied if a violation results in a crash, with penalties potentially including up to two years in prison for aggravated assault by vehicle and five years for homicide by vehicle.

Background and Legislative Journey

The push for this new law stems from the tragic story of Paul Miller Jr., who lost his life at age 21 in 2010 due to a crash caused by a distracted truck driver reaching for their phone. His mother, Eileen Miller, has become a vocal advocate for tougher distracted driving legislation, motivated by the personal impact of her son’s death.

The law has garnered bipartisan support and reflects over a decade of advocacy for stricter regulations surrounding distracted driving in Pennsylvania. The legislation aims to reshape driver behavior through enhanced education and legal repercussions, with new drivers learning about the perils of distracted driving mandated as part of the learners’ permit tests.

Impact on Road Safety

Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reveals that distracted driving accounted for the majority of car crashes in Pennsylvania in 2023, comprising over 11,262 distraction-related incidents. Moreover, fatalities caused by distracted driving have also increased, with the number of deaths rising from 1,179 to 1,209 from 2022 to 2023, marking a 2.25% increase.

The law explicitly defines “driving” as operating a motor vehicle on a highway, which includes being temporarily stationary due to traffic conditions. To mitigate distractions, drivers are encouraged to use hands-free options, silence notifications, or appoint a passenger as a “designated texter.”

Enforcement and Data Collection

An important aspect of this legislation is its mandate for law enforcement agencies to collect and report detailed demographic data on drivers during traffic stops for the purpose of preventing racial bias in policing. The data will encompass information related to race, ethnicity, gender, and the type of search, if any, that was conducted. Local police departments are required to compile and submit annual reports to the state police showcasing this data.

As Pennsylvania implements Paul Miller’s Law, it marks a pivotal step in addressing the ongoing issue of distracted driving while aiming to enhance overall road safety. The law is considered a vital tool for changing the habits of drivers across the state, with the hopes of reducing the alarming rates of distracted driving-related incidents in the future.