
Effective on June 5, 2025, “The Paul Miller Law” bans almost all hand-held cell phone and electronic use while driving in Pennsylvania – including when you might think it’s safe, like stopped at a red light or stuck in traffic.
Designed to combat Distracted Driving and passed in memory of 21 year old Paul Miller who died when a tractor trailer driver was distracted on a cell phone, the new law drastically limits cell phone use while driving.
What Cell Phone and Electronic Use is Banned?
The law prohibits “driving” while “using an interactive mobile device” with the following definitions:
- Defines driving as operating a motor vehicle on a highway, including anytime the motor vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device (e.g., a traffic light or stop sign), or other momentary delay.
- Defines the use of an interactive mobile device as 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 that requires a driver to maneuver so that the driver is no longer in a seated driving position, restrained by a seat belt.
What are the Penalties?
Written warnings rather than tickets and fines will be issued for one year. Starting on June 5, 2026, violators will face a $50 fine, court costs and fees. If a Distracted Driver is convicted of Homicide by Vehicle, a violation of The Paul Miller Law may face an additional 5 years in Prison.

What Conduct is Not Banned?
A driver may use an interactive mobile device if the driver moves the vehicle to the side of or off a highway and halts in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary. The hands-free law allows for an emergency use exception if it is necessary to communicate with a law enforcement official or other emergency service to prevent injury to persons or property.
The texting ban does NOT include the use of a GPS device, a system or device that is physically or electronically integrated into the vehicle, or a communications device that is affixed to a mass transit vehicle, bus or school bus. The law does not authorize the seizure of an interactive wireless device.

Tim Rayne is a Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer with MacElree Harvey, Ltd For over 30 years, Tim has been helping accident victims and their families understand their legal rights and receive fair treatment from Insurance Companies. Tim has law offices in Kennett Square and West Chester, Pennsylvania and can be reached at 610-840-0124 or trayne@macelree.com or you can check out his website at www.TimRayneLaw.com.