On June 5, 2024, Governor Shapiro signed the “Paul Miller Law” into effect. This law states that no driver can use an interactive mobile device when behind the wheel of a vehicle, even when momentarily stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. The law defines an interactive mobile device as any device that can be used for tasks such as texting, browsing the internet, taking/sending images, playing games, etc.
Paul Miller was a 21-year-old man who was killed by a distracted semi-truck driver in 2010. Paul’s Mother, Eileen Woelkers Miller, became an advocate to end distracted driving after her son’s death. Pennsylvania’s Senate Bill 37, the aforementioned new law, is known as the “Paul Miller Law” because of Paul Miller’s tragic death relating to drivers distracted by their phones.
While the bill was signed last year, it will not go into effect until next month. Starting June 5, 2025, all drivers who have a mobile device in their hands while driving can be stopped by police. For the first year, offenders will only receive a written warning, but starting June 5, 2026, the penalty is a $50 fine.
Pennsylvania’s previous distracted driving law only banned drivers from reading, writing, or sending text messages while driving. The new law expands upon the previous law by banning more devices and prohibiting drivers from using their phones while their vehicle is stopped. However, if a driver moves their vehicle to an area where it can remain safely stationary, or if it is an emergency where emergency services or law enforcement must be contacted, the law does not apply.
Many people are upset with this new “hands-free” law, specifically because of the ban on using devices while the vehicle is stopped. It may be difficult to work with the new law, but it will not be impossible. Drivers can still use GPS, and they can still utilize the voice-activated command on their phone or on their car. This voice activation can be used to make calls, send texts, or change music, without the use of hands.
Distraction while driving is becoming more and more common as technology continues to advance. While this law may be a nuisance, it is important to remember that distracted driving is incredibly dangerous, and lawmakers are only working to make the roads safer for everyone.
