Overview Of “Paul Miller’s Law” In PA

Your stomach drops as you slam on your brakes. The car in front of you, which had been drifting slowly into your lane, swerves back just in time. As you pass, you see exactly what you expected: the driver is looking down at their phone, their face illuminated by its glow. This experience is terrifyingly familiar. For years, drivers in Pennsylvania have navigated roads filled with distracted drivers, and the consequences are often tragic. This widespread danger is why Pennsylvania lawmakers took decisive action. The new law will make our roads safer by getting phones out of drivers’ hands. But it also introduces clear expectations for all Pennsylvania motorists.

Paul Miller’s Law in Pennsylvania banning handheld phone use while driving.

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What Is Paul Miller’s Law?

This new legislation, which took effect on June 5, 2025, is a meaningful change to the state’s traffic code. In short, Paul Miller’s Law in PA makes it illegal for a driver to hold or support a cell phone or other wireless communication device while operating a vehicle.

This new hands-free mandate, also known as the No Touch Law in Pennsylvania, is named for Paul Miller Jr., who died in a 2010 crash involving a distracted truck driver. It amends Pennsylvania’s existing vehicle code to create a clear, enforceable standard that encourages every driver to remain alert and focused.

What Does This New PA Cell Phone Law Prohibit?

Beyond the primary rule against holding a device, the new law also explicitly bans drivers from:

Sending, reading, or writing any text-based communication;
Watching, recording, or broadcasting a video; or
Accessing any website or social media.

This law applies to all wireless communication devices, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, and other personal digital assistants, while operating a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania.

Are There Any Exceptions to Paul Miller’s Law in PA?

Yes, the law includes specific exceptions for actions that do not require a driver to hold the device, for example:

Using a device mounted in a cradle or dock;
Talking on the phone using Bluetooth, a headset, or speakerphone;
Using a single tap, touch, or swipe to activate a feature, such as answering a call; and
Using your phone to call 911 or other emergency services to report an emergency.

These exceptions allow for the use of GPS navigation and voice-activated commands, as long as the device is not in your hand.

How Is This Law Different from the Old PA Texting and Driving Law?

Previously, Pennsylvania’s texting and driving law only banned text-based communications. A driver pulled over for looking at their phone could simply claim they were dialing a number, checking GPS, or changing a song, all of which were hard for an officer to prove false. Paul Miller’s Law closes this gap.

It is a primary offense. An officer can now pull you over if they see you holding a phone. Under the old law, texting while driving was a primary offense, but other uses were not, making enforcement complicated.
It bans holding, not just texting. The new law makes the physical act of holding the device the violation, regardless of why you were holding it. The law is now much clearer for drivers and far easier for law enforcement to enforce.

These two changes create a much stronger and more enforceable safety standard for Pennsylvania drivers.

What Are the Penalties for Violating Paul Miller’s Law?

Any driver who violates the law will face a summary offense, which includes a $50 base fine. For the first 12 months after the law takes effect, police will issue warnings for a first offense as part of an educational period.

Significantly, violating this law will not add points to your driving record, unless the violation occurs in connection with a crash. It also includes a data collection component. For 18 months after the law takes effect, the state will collect demographic data on drivers who receive citations to monitor equitable enforcement.

Why Does This New Law Matter for Your Injury Claim?

At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we view Paul Miller’s Law in PA as a vital tool to hold negligent drivers accountable. It sets a clear safety standard: if a driver hits you while using their phone, they are breaking the law. This law provides strong evidence in personal injury cases by demonstrating that the driver breached their duty of care, which is fundamental in a negligence claim. A police report citing a violation of this law can significantly bolster your case for compensation.

Why Choose Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers?

When you are injured, you need straight answers, not empty promises. We built our firm, Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, on professionalism, honesty, and straightforwardness. With over 75 years of combined experience, our nationally recognized attorneys have been a voice for thousands of accident victims across Pennsylvania. We provide one-on-one personal attention from the moment you call us to the day your case is resolved. We are relentless in our pursuit of justice and have recovered millions of dollars for people injured by negligence. We will not charge you a fee unless we get you paid.

Take the Next Step Today

The moments after an accident are confusing; a new law can add to the uncertainty. You do not have to find the answers alone. If a distracted driver hurts you, you have rights. Contact Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can review the facts of your case and explain your options with the honesty and straightforward guidance you deserve.