A person holds a cell phone. (Credit: Commonwealth Media Services)
Beginning on June 5, all handheld devices will be banned while driving behind the wheel in a vehicle.
The new legislation, Paul Miller's Law, prohibits the use of electronic devices, even while stopped, while drivers are behind the wheel. The new law is named after the 21-year-old who was killed in Hamilton Twp., Monroe County, in 2010. He was hit by a distracted driver of a tractor-trailer.
"You know, I couldn't identify my son at the morgue. I couldn't even identify him, it was that bad," said Eileen Miller, Paul's mother. "I kind of just whispered in his ear, I said, 'Paul, I don't know what caused this crash, but I will find out what it is, and I will make a change.'"
Now, local law enforcement agencies are reminding residents that the new law will go into effect in just a few short weeks, which bans all handheld devices while driving, which includes phones, digital assistants, computers, or anything that is used to communicate or take video and needs to be held with at least one hand.
The devices cannot be used at any time, including traffic lights, stop signs, or while stopped in heavy traffic.
"This law will ban the use of handheld devices while driving, even when temporarily stopped," the Horsham Police Department wrote. "This means that drivers cannot hold their phone or other devices while driving, even at a red light or stop sign.
"It is encouraged that all community members review the new law and understand how it may impact them," Horsham Police added.
According to officials, a 12-month grace period will be in effect until June 5, 2026, and then $50 fines will be issued.
“Under this new law, we will be able to pull over drivers who are observed with a mobile device in their hand while driving,” said PSP Troop E Community Services Officer Todd Bingman. “There are limited exceptions for drivers to use their phones, such as dialing 911 in an emergency or having hands-free technology integrated into the vehicle.”
“Limiting distractions while behind the wheel makes Pennsylvania’s roadways safer for everyone,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Eliminating the handling of cell phones while driving will certainly reduce the number of crashes and save lives.”
Paul Miller’s Law will also work to prevent bias in policing by requiring law enforcement to collect data on drivers pulled over during traffic stops, including race, ethnicity, and gender. The data will be made publicly available in an annual report.
