{"id":15636,"date":"2026-04-13T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myphillylawyer.com\/?p=15636"},"modified":"2026-04-10T17:49:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T22:49:57","slug":"pennsylvania-cracks-down-on-distracted-driving-as-paul-millers-law-takes-effect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myphillylawyer.com\/yue\/2026\/04\/13\/pennsylvania-cracks-down-on-distracted-driving-as-paul-millers-law-takes-effect\/","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Cracks Down on Distracted Driving as Paul Miller\u2019s Law Takes Effect"},"content":{"rendered":"

Senate Bill 37<\/a>, also known as \u201cPaul Miller\u2019s Law,\u201d was signed by Governor Josh Shapiro in June 2024. In June 2025, the law\u2019s first phase took effect. Starting June 6, 2026, the law enters its second phase – making 2026 a big year for changes to Pennsylvania\u2019s distracted driving rules and their effects on residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re injured in a distracted driving accident in Pennsylvania<\/a>, don\u2019t wait. Talk to the team at MyPhillyLawyer<\/a> today. We\u2019ll help you understand your legal rights and exercise your options.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pennsylvania Distracted Driving Rules Under Paul Miller\u2019s Law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before 2024, Pennsylvania law banned texting while driving. Paul Miller\u2019s Law, however, expands the ban – and the situations in which police can issue tickets for violations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One exception applies: Drivers can use a phone, even a handheld, to make a call if they\u2019re calling 911 to report an emergency. Drivers can report emergencies whether they are involved or merely witness a situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Phased-In Implementation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Governor Josh Shapiro signed Paul Miller\u2019s Law in June 2024. The law\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting June 6, 2026, the law\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The law is named for Paul Miller, Jr., who died in a collision with a semi truck<\/a> in 2010. The trash was triggered by a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Expect and How to Protect Yourself in 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s Law and lower the risk to yourself and those around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n