Starting June 5, 2025, Pennsylvania will take a significant step toward improving road safety with the introduction of a new distracted driving law known as Paul Miller’s Law. This legislation is designed to address the dangers of distracted driving by restricting the use of handheld devices while operating a vehicle. 

Distracted driving has been a growing concern across the country, leading to countless accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Whether you’re a long-time Pennsylvania driver or a new resident, it’s crucial to understand how this law will affect you, what behaviors are considered distracted driving under the new rules, and the consequences of not following them.

Why the Law Was Introduced: A Tribute to Paul Miller

The new distracted driving legislation is named after Paul Miller, a young man whose life was tragically cut short in a crash caused by a distracted driver. Paul’s story became a powerful symbol for advocates pushing for tougher regulations to make Pennsylvania’s roads safer.

His memory inspired a push to strengthen Pennsylvania’s stance against distracted driving. The result is Paul Miller’s Law, a comprehensive statute that bans the use of handheld devices while driving and aims to change driver behavior through education and enforcement.

What Counts as Distracted Driving?

At its core, distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention from driving. It can be visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel), or cognitive (taking your mind off driving). The most well-known form of distracted driving is texting, but the new law outlines many other behaviors that can put you and others at risk.

Under the new law, distracted driving includes:

• Holding or supporting a phone or other device with your hand or body
• Using more than a single button to answer or dial a phone
• Reaching for a device in a way that requires you to shift from a proper driving position
• Browsing the internet, checking social media, watching videos, or playing games
• Taking or transmitting pictures or videos while driving
• Sending, reading, or composing emails or text messages

Importantly, these restrictions apply even when your vehicle is temporarily stopped, such as at red lights, stop signs, or during traffic jams. The law treats any moment behind the wheel as part of the driving process.

What Devices Are Covered?

The law applies to what it defines as an “interactive mobile device” (IMD). This includes:

• Handheld wireless telephones
• Smartphones
• Personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• Portable or mobile computers
• Any similar device capable of sending or receiving electronic data

This broad definition means that most modern mobile devices fall under the law’s restrictions. If you’re holding or interacting with one of these devices while driving, you could be in violation.

What Does “Driving” Mean Under the Law?

Pennsylvania’s new legislation uses a broad definition of “driving”. It includes operating a motor vehicle on a highway, and it still applies when your vehicle is temporarily stationary due to:

• Traffic
• Traffic signals or stop signs
• Momentary delays like construction or congestion

In other words, just because your car isn’t moving doesn’t mean you’re not “driving” in the eyes of the law. Put the phone down if you’re on the road or even stopped.

Are There Exceptions?

Yes. While the law is strict, it includes a few important exceptions:

• Emergency use: If it’s necessary to use a mobile device to contact emergency services to prevent injury or damage, you are allowed to do so.
• Pulled over safely: You may use a mobile device if you’ve pulled your vehicle over to a safe location and are fully stopped.

Additionally, the law does not apply to:

• GPS or navigation devices that are physically or electronically integrated into the vehicle
• Devices affixed to a mass transit vehicle, bus, or school bus
• Systems that require no more than a single button press to activate or answer

The law also makes clear that it does not authorize police to seize your phone or device as part of an enforcement action.

What Are the Penalties?

Paul Miller’s Law includes a phased enforcement plan designed to give drivers time to adjust to the new requirements while also sending a strong message that distracted driving will no longer be tolerated.

Phase 1: Written Warnings

• From June 5, 2025, to June 4, 2026, violators will receive written warnings.
• This grace period gives drivers time to understand the law and change their habits without facing immediate financial penalties.

Phase 2: Monetary Penalties

• Beginning June 5, 2026, violations will result in a summary offense.
• Offenders will face a $50 fine, plus court costs and applicable fees.

Severe Penalties for Distracted Driving–Related Crashes

• If a driver is convicted of homicide by vehicle and was also driving while distracted, they may face up to five additional years in prison.

It’s worth noting that the new hands-free law builds upon Pennsylvania’s existing texting-while-driving ban, which already prohibits composing, sending, or reading text-based messages while driving. Violations of that law also come with a $50 fine, though they do not add points to a non-commercial driver’s license.

How This Law Affects All Drivers

This law doesn’t just apply to those caught texting. It impacts every driver on Pennsylvania roads, whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or taking a road trip.

Commercial Drivers

For commercial drivers, a violation is recorded on their driving record, which could have professional consequences. Even one offense may affect employment, insurance premiums, or regulatory compliance for trucking and transport companies.

Novice and Teenage Drivers

Young drivers are particularly at risk. Statistics consistently show that teen drivers are more likely to crash when distracted. This law provides an added layer of accountability and protection for novice drivers.

Everyday Drivers

Even experienced drivers are vulnerable to distraction. The new law is a reminder that your focus needs to be on the road at all times. Putting the phone down, even just for a few minutes, could be the decision that saves a life.

Tips to Stay Compliant and Avoid Citations

Here are some practical steps you can take to ensure you’re following the law and staying safe behind the wheel:

• Go Hands-Free

Invest in a hands-free device or use your vehicle’s built-in Bluetooth system. Mount your phone on the dashboard if you need to use it for navigation.

• Pre-Program Your GPS

Before you start driving, input your destination. Avoid adjusting routes or settings while your vehicle is in motion.

• Use “Do Not Disturb While Driving”

Many smartphones offer a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature. Turn it on to minimize temptations and silence incoming notifications.

• Pull Over Safely

If you need to send a message, take a call, or check an email, pull over to a safe location. Simply being stopped at a red light is not considered a safe time to use your device.

• Educate Teen Drivers

If you’re a parent, talk to your teens about distracted driving. Encourage them to be role models for their peers and always drive device-free.

How Distracted Driving Affects Liability and Insurance Claims

While the immediate goal of the new law is to encourage safer driving behavior, it also carries significant legal implications, especially regarding auto accident liability and insurance claims. Distracted driving has long been a factor in determining fault in car crashes, but now that it’s clearly prohibited by law, proving negligence may become more straightforward.

Establishing Negligence in an Accident

A key factor in personal injury claims stemming from car accidents is whether one driver acted negligently. Distracted driving, especially when it involves unlawful behavior like handling a device while driving, can be a clear indicator of negligence.

For example, if a driver rear-ends another vehicle and it’s discovered that they were holding a phone or composing a text message at the time, that information may be used as evidence of fault. Under the new law, simply holding an interactive mobile device could be considered a breach of the legal duty to drive safely.

Traffic Citations as Evidence

If a driver is cited under Paul Miller’s Law at the time of a crash, that citation could be used as supporting evidence in a civil personal injury case. While a citation alone doesn’t automatically determine fault, it may strengthen a claim that the driver was behaving irresponsibly at the time of the incident.

This is especially important in cases involving serious injuries, where victims seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Future medical care or rehabilitation

Insurance Considerations

Distracted driving violations can also have insurance consequences. Drivers found at fault in an accident due to distraction may:

• See an increase in insurance premiums
• Face policy non-renewal
• Experience limited coverage eligibility with certain providers

Insurance companies closely monitor violations and claims history. As enforcement of the new law begins, it’s likely insurers will pay even more attention to distracted driving citations when evaluating risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Law

To help you better understand this new law, here are answers to some of the most common questions Pennsylvania drivers are asking.

Does this law mean I can’t touch my phone at all?

Not necessarily. You may press a single button to activate or answer a call using a hands-free system. However, holding or manually using the device for any other function, such as texting, browsing, typing, or swiping, is prohibited while driving.

Can I still use my phone for GPS?

Yes, as long as the GPS is integrated into your car or mounted and used in a hands-free manner. You must set your destination before driving and avoid interacting with the device while the car is in motion.

What if I’m stopped at a red light or in traffic?

Even if your vehicle is not moving, you are still considered “driving” under the law. The only time it’s legal to handle a device is when your vehicle is safely pulled over and completely stopped off the roadway.

Is it okay to use voice commands?

Yes. Using voice-activated features that allow you to control your device without touching it (and without looking away from the road) is allowed under the law.

What To Do If You’re Involved in a Distracted Driving Accident

Unfortunately, even with stronger laws in place, distracted driving accidents will still occur. If you or a loved one is involved in a crash caused by someone who was using a mobile device or otherwise distracted, it’s important to take action quickly.

Here are a few key steps:

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health and safety are the top priority. Even if you feel okay, get evaluated by a medical professional to identify injuries that may not be immediately obvious.

• Call Law Enforcement

A police report is critical for documenting the crash and any potential citations issued. If distracted driving is suspected, be sure to mention this to the responding officer.

• Gather Evidence

If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses who may have observed the distracted behavior.

• Avoid Speaking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim. It’s best to speak with an attorney before giving any statements.

• Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and pursue full compensation for your losses.