PA MONTGOMERY COUNTY CHAPTER DEMOCRATIC BLACK CAUCUS

Pennsylvania's Paul Miller's Law

(Effective Enforcement: June 6, 2026)

Beginning June 6, 2026, Pennsylvania transitioned from a warning-only period to active enforcement of Paul Miller's Law. Police may now issue citations to drivers who hold or use a handheld interactive mobile device while operating a vehicle. 

​

What Drivers Need to Know

✅ No handheld phone use while driving

• Talking while holding the phone

• Texting

• Reading messages

• Scrolling social media

• Browsing the internet

• Holding the device for any purpose while operating the vehicle

✅ The law applies even when stopped

• Red lights

• Stop signs

• Traffic jams

• Any temporary traffic delay

A vehicle is still considered to be in operation when stopped in traffic. 

✅ Hands-free technology remains legal

• Bluetooth systems

• Voice commands

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Mounted GPS devices

• Vehicle-integrated communication systems

As long as the device is not being held in your hand, these uses are generally permitted. 

​

Penalties

• $50 fine

• Plus court costs and fees (which can substantially increase the total amount owed)

• Primary offense, meaning an officer can stop you solely for this violation

• No points assessed to a non-commercial driver's license

• Not recorded on the driving record of non-commercial drivers

• Commercial drivers may have the violation recorded as a non-sanction violation. 

 

Why It Matters

Pennsylvania recorded nearly 10,000 distracted-driving crashes in 2024, resulting in more than 6,000 injuries and dozens of fatalities. Paul Miller's Law was enacted following the death of Paul Miller Jr., who was killed by a distracted driver in 2010. 

​

​

If you're behind the wheel—even sitting at a red light—put the phone down and use hands-free technology instead.