Paul Miller’s Law (Pa. Act 18 of 2024) officially took effect on June 5, 2025, aiming to reduce distracted driving accidents on Pennsylvania roads. The law prohibits handheld use of interactive mobile devices while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light, in traffic, or at a stop sign. An interactive mobile device includes smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and similar tech used for calls, texting, social media, browsing, photos/videos, and more. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by distracted driving, our car accident attorneys in Pennsylvania can help.
- Hands-free methods: Bluetooth, voice controls, mounted GPS/music systems.
- Emergency communications: Calling 911 or contacting emergency services.
- Parked/mobile options: Pull over safely before handling the device.
Enforcement Timeline & Penalties
| Period | Enforcement Level | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| June 5, 2025 – June 5, 2026 | One-year warning | Law enforcement issues written warnings only |
| Starting June 6, 2026 | Summary offense | Fine: $50 + court costs; repeat offenders pay additional fees |
| Fatal crash with distraction | Criminal offense | Up to 5 years additional prison time if convicted of homicide by vehicle |
Police may now conduct a primary stop, pulling drivers over just for holding a phone.
Why Now? A Long-Awaited Shift
- Pennsylvania was the 29th state to outlaw hand‑held device use while driving.
- In 2023, PA recorded over 11,200 distracted-driving crashes, surpassing alcohol-related crashes, and 49 deaths, with more than 6,000 injuries in 2024.
- The law honors Paul Miller Jr., a 21-year-old killed in 2010 by a distracted truck driver reaching for his phone.
- His mother, Eileen Miller, and Senator Rosemary Brown tirelessly advocated for safer road laws around Paul’s legacy.
What It Means For Pennsylvanians
- Every driver—private, commercial, ride-share—must comply
- Enforcement applies even when stationary—at lights, crashes, or traffic
- Hand-held ban covers every phone interaction—calls, scrolling, videos, etc., voice-activated systems are still allowed
Safety & Liability Takeaways
Paul Miller’s Law reinforces the importance of staying focused behind the wheel. Below are key safety and legal takeaways every Pennsylvania driver should understand to avoid serious accidents and potential liability.
Reduced crash risk: Even a 2-second glance away can double the risk. Distraction remains a leading cause of traffic fatalities.
Legal Implications:
- Civil lawsuits: Demonstrating driver distraction can be key in injury claims—Paul Miller’s Law strengthens this by defining illegal phone use.
- Criminal liability: In fatal distracted-driving cases, defendants may face vehicular homicide charges with lengthy prison sentences.
Insurance impacts: Pennsylvania’s Insurance Commissioner noted that safer driving could help reduce insurance costs; violators may see spikes in premiums
Police data transparency: The law also mandates the collection of race, ethnicity, and gender in traffic stops to address bias. Annual reports will be published, paving the way for accountability
Complying with the Law – Best Practices
- Store your phone out of reach: glove box, bag, or inside the center console
- Activate Do Not Disturb While Driving
- Use hands-free tech: voice commands, Bluetooth, dashboard mounts
- Pre-set navigation/music before departing
- Pull off the road if you must handle the device
- Educate passengers and fleet drivers about the rule—avoid shared liability
Why This Matters to SJ&W Clients
Our clients, especially those involved in accidents tied to distracted drivers, can benefit greatly from knowing:
- The legal timeline of enforcement (warnings → citations → criminal exposure).
- Strengthened evidence of negligence in personal injury cases.
- Heightened public awareness and expectations, increasing driver accountability.
- Expanded scope for civil and criminal claims related to distraction-caused crashes.
Contact Us Now to Hear More
Paul Miller’s Law marks a critical evolution in Pennsylvania’s commitment to road safety. It closes the gap left by earlier texting-only bans, elevates enforcement standards, adds transparency in policing, and empowers victims and families with a firmer legal footing against distracted drivers.
At SJ&W, we’re prepared to support clients harmed by violations from crash investigations to civil litigation. Equipped with this law, our clients gain access to a more robust legal framework for justice.