Pennsylvania Distracted Driving Law Expands with Paul Miller's Law
Paul Miller’s Law is a new Pennsylvania distracted driving law that makes it illegal for drivers to hold or use a phone or similar device while driving, even when stopped at a red light or in traffic. The law is meant to curb crashes caused by texting, scrolling, or other distractions behind the wheel, which remain one of the leading causes of accidents across the state.
Named for Paul Miller Jr., who was killed by a distracted truck driver using a phone, the law aims to make Pennsylvania’s roads safer by banning all hand-held device use. If you drive in the state, here’s what the law covers, what the penalties are, and what steps to take if you’re hit by someone breaking it.
Hands-Free Law Goes into Effect in Pennsylvania on June 5, 2025
Starting June 5, 2025, Paul Miller’s Law officially adds a hands-free rule to PA distracted driving laws. While Pennsylvania has banned texting behind the wheel since 2012, drivers could still hold their phones to make calls, scroll, or check emails. This new PA law on driving and cell phone use changes that.
Under the law, drivers can’t hold or use any handheld device while the car is in motion—or even when stopped at a red light or stuck in traffic. Calls, emails, texting, and browsing are all off-limits unless the phone is in hands-free mode or mounted.
State officials say distracted driving continues to cause thousands of crashes every year. In 2023, PennDOT reported over 11,000 distracted driving crashes in Pennsylvania—more than alcohol-related crashes that year—with traffic deaths rising slightly from 1,179 in 2022 to 1,209 in 2023.
The Story Behind the Law
Paul Miller Jr. was only 21 when his life was cut short. In 2010, on Route 33 in Monroe County, PA, a distracted tractor-trailer driver, using a phone behind the wheel, crossed the center divider and crashed into his car head-on. Paul didn‘t survive.
His mother, Eileen Miller, turned her grief into advocacy. For years, she pushed for tougher distracted driving laws in Pennsylvania, determined to prevent other families from going through what hers did. More than a decade later, her efforts paid off. Her son’s name is now tied to one of the most significant road safety laws the state has passed, a law aimed at saving lives and keeping drivers focused on the road.
What's Illegal Under Paul Miller's Law?
As of June 5, 2025, nearly all handheld phone use is banned on Pennsylvania roads under the updated PA distracted driving laws. Even if your car is stopped at a red light or stuck in traffic, these actions can lead to fines under the current driving laws in Pennsylvania:
- Holding or supporting a phone or other device with your hands, lap, shoulder, or any part of your body.
- Making or receiving phone calls by holding the device.
- Texting, instant messaging, or sending/reading emails.
- Browsing the internet or engaging with social media.
- Playing games or creating/posting content, including photos or videos.
- Dialing with more than one button press.
- Reaching for a device in a way that forces you to unbuckle or leave your seat.
- Any other manual or visual interaction with a handheld device while driving.
In short, if you’re holding or manually using your phone for almost any reason while behind the wheel, you’re breaking the law, even if the car isn’t moving.
Exceptions to the New Pennsylvania Distracted Driving Law
This recent distracted driving law Pennsylvania passed makes it illegal to hold your phone while driving, even at red lights or in traffic. The new PA law on driving and cell phone use is strict, but there are a few situations where drivers can still use their phones without breaking the law.
- Calling for help: If there’s an emergency and you need to reach 911, the police, or other emergency responders to prevent harm, you’re allowed to pick up your phone.
- Pulled over and parked: You’re only in the clear to use your phone if you’ve pulled completely off the road and stopped somewhere safe. Being stuck at a red light or sitting in traffic doesn’t count. Your car must be parked away from moving lanes.
- Hands-free use: Phones that are paired with Bluetooth, controlled by voice, or mounted so you never have to pick them up can still be used for calls or navigation.
- Factory-installed systems: Built-in tech like dashboard touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and similar systems are not affected by the law.
- Some public transportation drivers: Specific exemptions apply for certain bus and school bus operators under PA distracted driving laws.
Outside of these situations, holding or using your phone to call, text, scroll, email, browse, or record video while driving, even if the car isn’t moving, is illegal across Pennsylvania and can lead to fines.
Penalties for Distracted Driving in Pennsylvania
Under Paul Miller’s Law, distracted drivers now face a phased rollout.
- From June 5, 2025, through June 4, 2026, drivers using a handheld device while driving will only get a written warning.
- Starting June 5, 2026, a first offense comes with a $50 fine plus court costs and fees.
- Police can pull drivers over just for holding a phone, even if they’re not speeding or breaking any other driving laws in Pennsylvania, since this is treated as a primary offense.
- Non-commercial drivers will not get points on their license, and it will not appear on their driving record.
- Commercial drivers will have it recorded as a non-sanction violation, which could still affect their job or insurance.
- If distracted driving leads to a fatal crash, the driver can face up to five additional years in prison.
What to Do If You Suspect Distracted Driving Caused Your Crash
If you were injured in a car accident and think the other driver was distracted, even for a moment, it’s important to act quickly.
Get checked out by a doctor first. Once you’re safe, connect with a legal team that knows how to:
- Gather and protect evidence before it’s gone
- Hold the other driver accountable under the distracted driving laws in Pennsylvania
- Seek the full compensation you need for your recovery
Even a split-second look at a phone can lead to devastating injuries. The costs and stress from someone else’s distraction shouldn’t land on your shoulders.
Ethen Ostroff Law and Distracted Driving Cases in Pennsylvania
Among the updated driving laws Pennsylvania drivers need to know, Paul Miller’s Law is one of the most important changes in recent years. Paul Miller’s Law exists because one family pushed for change after a tragedy. It’s a reminder that safety laws often come from people demanding better. Beyond making the roads safer, the new Pennsylvania distracted driving law can also strengthen personal injury cases.
If another driver was using their phone at the time of your crash, that detail can now carry more weight as evidence of negligence. If you’ve been injured because of a distracted driver, Ethen Ostroff Law can help you understand how this law applies to your case, what options you have, and what steps to take next. Schedule your free case review now.
Frequently Asked Questions on PA Driving Laws
What is the new law for distracted driving in PA?
Paul Miller’s Law, which took effect June 5, 2025, makes it illegal to hold or use a phone or similar device while driving in Pennsylvania, even at red lights or in traffic. It covers calls, texts, emails, browsing, social media, gaming, and video recording. Drivers can still use hands-free tech, make emergency calls, or pull over safely to use their phone.
What is the June 5th law in PA?
The June 5th law, known as Paul Miller’s Law, bans drivers from using any hand-held phone or electronic device while on the road, including during stops at lights or in traffic. Police can pull drivers over for just holding a phone, and starting June 5, 2026, violations carry a $50 fine plus court fees. The law is designed to cut down on distracted driving crashes and is named after Paul Miller, who was killed by a distracted driver.
Are you allowed to talk on your phone while driving in Pennsylvania?
You can’t talk on your phone while driving in Pennsylvania if you’re holding it, even if the car isn’t moving. Talking is only legal if you’re using hands-free features like Bluetooth, voice commands, or a mounted device. The law allows emergency calls, but starting June 5, 2026, holding your phone while driving can get you a $50 fine plus court costs.
