Pennsylvania law on use of handheld mobile devices while operating a vehicle entered enforcement with fines after a warning period that ended in June 2026. The law is known as Paul Miller’s Law and is linked to fatal crash case involving Paul Miller Jr. in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
Enforcement action followed a structured warning phase that lasted until June 5, 2026, when fines began. Reports from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette describe enforcement activity across Pennsylvania shortly after that date.
Pennsylvania State Police initiated Operation Hands Off from June 8 to June 10, 2026 across Pennsylvania. The operation produced about 694 citations and about 300 warnings for conduct involving handheld mobile devices while driving.
The enforcement period focused on driver behavior involving holding a device or using a device during vehicle operation. Penalties include a fifty dollar fine plus court costs and fees for each citation issued under the law.
The Law Targets Any Handheld Device Use Behind the Wheel
Paul Miller’s Law, under Josh Shapiro administration, prohibits drivers from holding or using any handheld interactive mobile device while operating a vehicle. This prohibition applies to all public roads and highways across Pennsylvania.
The restriction includes instances when a vehicle is stopped temporarily due to traffic, at a red light, or at a stop sign. The law draws a clear line between holding a device and using a device. Both actions constitute violations.
Drivers cannot hold a cellphone in their hand for any reason while behind the wheel. This includes actions such as scrolling, browsing, or simply gripping the device.
The offense is classified as a primary violation. Police officers can stop a driver solely for observing a handheld device in the driver’s possession. This provision eliminates the previous requirement for another traffic violation to justify a stop.
Operation Hands off Yields Hundreds of Fines Statewide
The three-day operation netted 694 traffic citations for violations of the handheld device ban. Troopers issued an additional 308 warnings for the same offense. This number represents more than half the total warnings issued during the entire yearlong grace period, which saw 1,272 warnings.
The enforcement effort occurred across the state, with troopers from various Pennsylvania State Police stations and troops participating. During the same three-day period, officers arrested 98 drivers for driving under the influence.
They also issued 6,013 other traffic citations and 4,090 other warnings for various violations. Violations of Paul Miller’s Law carry a $50 fine plus court costs and other fees. The violation is a summary offense and does not add points to a regular driver’s license. Enhanced penalties apply if distracted driving contributes to a serious crash, including potential prison time for homicide by vehicle.
Exceptions Exist for Emergency and Hands-Free Use
The law includes specific exceptions for drivers. Individuals can use a handheld device to contact emergency services, such as calling 911 or law enforcement. Drivers may also pull their vehicle safely off the roadway and come to a complete stop to use a device.
Hands-free technology remains legal under the law. Drivers can use Bluetooth connections, voice-activated systems, and other hands-free features for phone calls, GPS navigation, and listening to music.
Pennsylvania’s existing texting-while-driving ban remains in effect, prohibiting drivers from sending, reading, or writing text-based communications while the vehicle is in motion.
Law Honors Paul Miller Jr., Killed by Distracted Driver in 2010
The legislation is named after Paul Miller Jr., a 21-year-old man killed in July 2010 in Monroe County. A truck driver lost control of his rig while reaching for a cellphone. The rig crossed the median and struck Miller’s vehicle, resulting in his death.
His mother, Eileen Miller, advocated for stronger distracted driving laws for years following her son’s death. State Sen. Rosemary Brown, R-Monroe County, worked with the Miller family to advance the measure through the General Assembly. Governor Josh Shapiro signed the law in 2024.
Pennsylvania became the 39th state with a comprehensive handheld ban. Prior to this law, the state only prohibited texting while driving. PennDOT data from 2025 reported 9,419 crashes involving a distracted driver in Pennsylvania.
These crashes resulted in more than 5,500 injuries and 54 fatalities. Officials believe distracted driving crash data is underreported due to drivers’ reluctance to admit distraction at the time of a crash.