Pennsylvania has implemented a new hands-free driving law that applies to all drivers, a critical law designed to decrease the risk of car accidents due to distracted driving.
Table of Contents
- What Is Paul Miller’s Law and When Does it Go Into Effect?
- What Happens If I Get Caught Using My Phone While Driving in Pennsylvania?
- Can I Still Use GPS and Bluetooth Under Pennsylvania’s New Law?
- How Does Pennsylvania’s New Distracted Driving Law Affect Car Accident Cases?
- Call Our Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyer if a Distracted Driver Caused Your Car Accident
It is important to get familiar with these new laws to avoid causing a car accident that could harm yourself or others. Distracted driving is still one of the leading causes of dangerous crashes in Pennsylvania and across the country.
If you were injured in a car crash due to another driver’s negligence, do not hesitate to contact our Harrisburg car accident lawyers. We offer a free consultation to learn more about your situation, answer your questions, and determine what legal options you may have.
When Schmidt Kramer represents you, there are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees to pay, but deadlines for filing your claim do apply in Pennsylvania.
Call Today for Your FREE Case Review: 717-727-2500.
What Is Paul Miller’s Law and When Does it Go Into Effect?
Under Paul Miller’s Law, Pennsylvania’s hands-free driving legislation prohibits all individuals from holding or manually operating any mobile device while driving. The law is already in effect as it was implemented June 5, 2025. Pennsylvania provides a one-year grace period before fines are imposed.
This law defines “interactive mobile devices” broadly to cover virtually any handheld electronic device. Banned devices include smartphones, tablets, portable computers, and any device capable of:
- Gaming
- Photography
- Social media use
- Video recording
- Text messaging
- Internet browsing
- Voice communication
What Happens If I Get Caught Using My Phone While Driving in Pennsylvania?
If police catch you using your phone while driving in Pennsylvania, the consequences depend on when the violation occurs and whether it contributed to an accident.
Warning Period vs. Citation Period
June 5, 2025, through June 4, 2026 is a warning period. During this time, law enforcement officers will issue written warnings instead of citations for violations involving the use of handheld devices. You will not face fines or court costs during this 12-month warning period that introduces the new law.
Starting June 5, 2026, the grace period will end, and full enforcement will begin. After this date, any violation of the hands-free law will result in citations, as well as heavy fines.
What Is a Violation of the Hands-Free Law (Paul Miller’s Law)?
Pennsylvania law enforcement can initiate traffic stops based solely on observing drivers holding phones or other mobile devices while driving. This is now a primary offense.
Officers look for visible signs of device use, including drivers holding phones to their ears, looking down at devices, or making hand gestures consistent with texting. Modern police cruisers feature elevated vantage points that enable officers to view into vehicles more easily.
Consequences During The Warning Period
If caught during the warning period, officers will issue a written warning that documents the violation. You will receive educational materials about the law’s requirements.
The warning does not result in fines, court costs, or points on your driving record. However, it creates an official record that you were informed about the new law.
Consequences After Full Enforcement Begins
Starting June 5, 2026, handheld device violations result in a formal citation with a $50 base fine. The violation carries no points on your driving record for non-commercial drivers. Commercial drivers will have the violation recorded on their driving records, which could affect their employment.
Total Costs and Fees
Pennsylvania courts add court costs and additional processing fees, which range from $25 to $50. The total cost for a handheld device violation often reaches $100 to $150 when all fees are included.
Penalties for Accident-Related Violations
If your handheld device use contributes to an accident that causes serious injury or death, penalties become much more severe. Drivers convicted of homicide by vehicle while distracted may face up to five years in prison.
Accident-related violations also increase civil liability in personal injury lawsuits and may result in higher damage awards to injured victims.
Can I Still Use GPS and Bluetooth Under Pennsylvania’s New Law?
GPS and Bluetooth may still be used under Pennsylvania’s new law. However, while using your GBP or Bluetooth devices, you must still be mindful about the new law and how it affects the way you may use them.
Hand-Free Driving Standards
Paul Miller’s Law specifically permits hands-free operation of mobile devices and built-in vehicle systems. You can continue using Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls, voice-activated commands, and audio streaming without violating the new regulations.
Voice-controlled device functions allow you to make calls, send text messages, and access navigation without touching your phone. Built-in vehicle infotainment systems remain fully compliant with the new law.
GPS Navigation Guidelines
GPS navigation systems are explicitly allowed when used correctly. You can use smartphone navigation apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze, but you may not manually interact with the device while driving.
Proper GPS usage requires mounting your device in a fixed position where you can see directions without holding or touching the screen. Voice-guided navigation provides turn-by-turn directions without requiring visual interaction.
How Does Pennsylvania’s New Distracted Driving Law Affect Car Accident Cases?
Pennsylvania’s new distracted driving law, known as Paul Miller’s Law, strengthens car accident cases as using handheld devices while driving is now illegal. A citation for using a phone behind the wheel now provides strong evidence that the driver acted negligently and violated state driving laws.
In the past, proving distracted driving required detailed investigations and expert input. Now, traffic tickets provide official proof of a violation, making it easier to establish fault. When combined with phone records, such as call and text timestamps, this evidence can strongly support a claim that the driver was using their phone during a crash.
Insurance companies now face greater risk when their drivers are cited under Paul Miller’s Law. Documented violations limit their ability to dispute fault and could result in faster and larger settlement offers. The law establishes clearer standards for proving liability for a car accident, providing injury victims with a stronger path to recovering damages after a distracted driving car crash.
Call Our Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyer if a Distracted Driver Caused Your Car Accident
Pennsylvania’s new distracted driving laws are one of the most significant changes to roadway safety in years. The transition from warnings to enforceable fines in June 2026 gives drivers a full year to get familiar with these new laws to avoid being cited and fined.
Injured by a distracted driver in Harrisburg? At Schmidt Kramer, we are here to help you navigate the legal process seek the full and fair compensation for your damages.
Worried about costs? We take injury cases on contingency, which means there are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees to pay. Call today to get answers to your questions and find out more about your legal options. We are here to help you.
Call our trusted Harrisburg law firm today: 717-727-2500.