Pennsylvania transportation and safety officials are urging drivers to keep their hands off their phones while driving as a new law banning handheld device use takes effect on Thursday.
The law, which is known as Paul Miller’s Law, prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a mobile device with any part of their body while operating a vehicle, even when temporarily stopped at a red light or in traffic.
“Paul Miller’s Law is about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever. Make the safe choice. Put your phone out of reach and don’t text and drive. One text, one glance down – it could kill someone. And it’s not worth it.”
The law is named after Paul Miller Jr., who was killed by a distracted driver on Route 33 nearly 15 years ago. His mother, Eileen Miller, has advocated for this legislation since his death.
“My son was 21 years old,” Miller said. “A tractor-trailer was seen from Route 80 onto Route 33 lane switching, swerving, going back and forth. He finally got up to the guardrail, and then he overcorrected, went across two lanes, hit him head on, killing him instantly.”
Last year alone, there were more than 9,000 crashes involving distracted drivers in Pennsylvania, which resulted in more than 6,000 injuries and 49 fatalities.
The Pennsylvania State Police responded to over 8,600 crashes caused by distracted driving, with more than 3,000 resulting in injuries and 119 in deaths.
“Whether you’re texting, talking, typing, using a mobile device while driving is dangerous,” said Major Robert Krol, the director of the Bureau of Patrol with the Pennsylvania State Police. “It not only puts your own life at risk, but it puts the lives of everyone sharing the road at risk with you.”
Beginning Thursday, law enforcement will issue written warnings to drivers seen holding or supporting a phone or electronic device while driving.
Starting June 6, 2026, officers and troopers will begin issuing summary citations for violations.
The law makes it a primary offense to hold a mobile device while driving, meaning police can stop a driver for the violation without needing any other reason, officials said.
“Police will be actively looking for this behavior and can stop a driver solely for this violation alone,” Krol explained. “No other reason is needed.”
The legislation was championed by State Sen. Rosemary Brown, a Republican who represents Northeastern Pennsylvania, who first introduced it more than a dozen years ago.
“When I first introduced it, it was over 12 years ago and I believed it was common sense policy,” Brown said. “And it just took time for others to also recognize its importance. But as I say, patience is a virtue, especially when you’re fighting for something that you know is right.”
The law still allows for hands-free use of devices through speakerphone, Bluetooth, or built-in vehicle systems. Drivers can also use mobile devices if they are safely pulled off the road and completely stopped. Emergency calls to law enforcement are also permitted.
Mark Compton, CEO of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, said there is a need for the legislation.
“If you go back to 2019, 3,000 people across this country have lost their lives at the hands of a distracted driver,” Compton said. “That’s 3,000 mothers, 3,000 fathers, 3,000 sons, 3,000 daughters have lost their lives at the hands of a distracted driver. We need this tool in our toolbox.”
Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys noted that distracted driving can have serious consequences beyond safety risks.
“According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, when an individual reads a text while driving, their eyes are off the road for an average of five seconds, which at 55 miles an hour is like driving the entire length of a football field blindfolded,” Humphreys said.
He also pointed out that safe driving can lead to financial benefits through lower insurance premiums.
“During the rate-making process, insurers factor in numerous things when they’re coming up with a quote. It includes your driving history, your accident history. The safer you are, the more you could save when it comes to your auto insurance,” Humphreys explains.
Officials recommend several strategies to help drivers comply with the new law:
- Keep phones out of reach in a pocket, handbag, glove compartment, or center console
- Use voice assist features for necessary communications
- Talk to young drivers about the risks and legal consequences of distracted driving
- Set a good example by putting your own phone away when behind the wheel
Eileen Miller, who has become a safety advocate following her son’s death, uses the acronym PASS to promote safe driving: P for no phone, A for no alcohol or addictive substances, S for no speeding, and S for always wearing your seatbelt.
“Nobody should ever have to lose a mother, a father, a sister, a brother, a loved one because of something so preventable as being on your phone and being distracted,” Miller said. “I am a safety advocate. I will always, always continue to do safety on our roads.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, signed Senate Bill 37 into law last year.
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