Pennsylvania Cracks Down on Distracted Driving as Paul Miller’s Law Takes Effect

Senate Bill 37, also known as “Paul Miller’s Law,” was signed by Governor Josh Shapiro in June 2024. In June 2025, the law’s first phase took effect. Starting June 6, 2026, the law enters its second phase – making 2026 a big year for changes to Pennsylvania’s distracted driving rules and their effects on residents.

If you’re injured in a distracted driving accident in Pennsylvania, don’t wait. Talk to the team at MyPhillyLawyer today. We’ll help you understand your legal rights and exercise your options. 

Pennsylvania Distracted Driving Rules Under Paul Miller’s Law

Before 2024, Pennsylvania law banned texting while driving. Paul Miller’s Law, however, expands the ban – and the situations in which police can issue tickets for violations.

Under the new law, drivers may not use handheld devices even while sitting at a red light or stopped in traffic. The law covers phones, PDAs, portable computers, and similar devices enabled for voice, text, email, and other ways to send or receive electronic data. 

Drivers can use hands-free technology, like Bluetooth, to make phone calls, use GPS systems, or listen to music. However, they cannot use their device if it requires them to take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road. Dialing or pressing more than one button to use the device, or supporting it with any part of the body, is a no-go under the new law. Drivers also may not use a device that requires them to move from their seated position, buckled in, as they drive. 

Pennsylvania law also prohibits drivers from reading, writing, or sending text-based messages. This rule covers SMS text messaging as well as popular messaging apps like Whatsapp. The state law makes it clear that the new rules take precedence over any local rules or ordinances. 

One exception applies: Drivers can use a phone, even a handheld, to make a call if they’re calling 911 to report an emergency. Drivers can report emergencies whether they are involved or merely witness a situation. 

A Phased-In Implementation

Governor Josh Shapiro signed Paul Miller’s Law in June 2024. The law’s first phase went into effect in June 2025. In June 2025, police began stopping vehicles and issuing written warnings to drivers spotted using handheld devices.

Starting June 6, 2026, the law’s second phase goes into effect. Now, police can do more than give warnings. They can also issue tickets to drivers who are using handheld devices in violation of the state’s laws. Violations of the law can earn a driver a $50 ticket, plus court costs and other fees. Drivers who are convicted of taking a life while driving distracted can face up to five years in prison.

The law is named for Paul Miller, Jr., who died in a collision with a semi truck in 2010. The trash was triggered by a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving. 

The law also requires police to collect demographic data on drivers pulled over during traffic stops. This data will be used to ensure the law is carried out without bias. 

What to Expect and How to Protect Yourself in 2026

Approximately 9,950 crashes, 6,000 injuries, and 49 deaths occurred in Pennsylvania due to distracted driving in 2024, according to PennDOT. Here are some ways you can comply with Paul Miller’s Law and lower the risk to yourself and those around you.

• Set up your hands-free system before putting the car in drive. For instance, connect your phone to the vehicle’s internal system or set up a Bluetooth connection first. If your phone’s battery is low, plug it in before you start driving.
• Consider placing the handset out of reach, such as in the glove compartment, to avoid picking it up out of habit as you drive.
• If you’re expecting an urgent text or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe place, such as a parking lot, before you check or send texts.
• Assign a passenger to be your “designated texter.” Let them send or take calls or messages on your behalf if necessary. 
• Use your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature to silence notifications and ringtones, so that you can focus on driving. 

Even careful, attentive drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians can be injured if someone else drives while distracted. Talk to an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer if a distracted driver harms you or someone you love. Contact the team at MyPhillyLawyer today to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation.