In the past two years, there have been nearly 20,000 crashes, leading to almost 12,000 injuries and over 100 deaths in Pennsylvania. Now, it is officially against the law for any driver to use a phone, or an interactive mobile device (“IMD”), while driving a motor vehicle within the state.
What is Paul’s Miller’s Law?
Enacted on June 5, 2025, with a twelve-month warning period ending on June 5, 2026, “Paul Miller’s Law” makes it illegal to use hand-held electronic devices while driving, even when stopped temporarily whether that be due to heavy traffic, a red-light, a stop-sign, or any other delay. However, drivers may still use hands-free technology for phone calls, navigation, and music. The law was named after Scranton-born Paul Miller, who was killed in a 2010 crash when a distracted driver crossed the center median and collided head-on into Paul’s car.
What are Penalties for Driving While Using a Device?
Pennsylvania already strongly enforces a ban on texting while driving, and during the one-year warning period the state’s police reported that they issued over 1,600 warnings. With the warning period being officially over, law enforcement can now issue summary citations to violators of Paul Miller’s law
The fine accompanying a citation under Paul Miller’s Law is $50 but does not impose any points or create a criminal record. It is also important to note that consequences may also be imposed by an out-of-state driver’s home state.
It is reported that in the first three days after the law’s official enactment this month, police throughout the Commonwealth said they issued nearly 700 traffic citations and over 300 warnings related to Paul Miller’s Law.
What is Considered “Use of an Interactive Mobile Device”?
The law is very strict and gives officers expansive power to stop and cite violating drivers. Under the law, “use” of an interactive mobile device includes:
- Using at least one hand to hold, or supporting with another part of the body, an interactive mobile device;
- Dialing or answering an interactive mobile device by pressing more than a single button; or
- Reaching for an interactive mobile device in a manner that requires a driver to maneuver so that the driver is no longer in a seated driving position, restrained by a properly installed and adjusted seat belt.
Hands-Free Driving in the Lehigh Valley
Officials in the Lehigh Valley have been outspoken in their support of the law, emphasizing how large of an issue distracted driving is on roadways in the local area, and the state as a whole. Distracted driving is fatal, and we see the consequences of that on a daily basis. Paul Miller’s Law is a strong legislative step forward in reversing the distracted driving habits that plague both the state and the nation.
At Fitzpatrick, Lentz & Bubba, P.C., we are more than prepared and ready to assist anyone with legal issues, questions, or concerns related to Paul Miller’s law and its enforcement. Please contact any of our attorneys if you or anyone you know may need assistance relating to this new Pennsylvania law, and please drive responsibly.
Maxwell Allanson-Dundon co-authored this blog.
