Beginning on June 5th, anyone pulled over in Pennsylvania will be forced to pay a fine.
In 2024 Governor Josh Shapiro had signed Paul Miller’s Law. This law prohibits the use of hand-held devices while operating a vehicle in any capacity.
Paul Miller had been killed in a car crash in 2010 because a distracted driver had reached for the phone and this law was named after him to encourage drivers to avoid distracted driving.
Over the last 11 months, the Erie Police Department issued over 400 citations and 200 verbal warnings.
Sgt. Scott Kornetz of the EPD Motorcycle Unit told Erie News Now, “put your phone in the glove compartment or give it to a passenger in the back seat. Just glancing down, even at a slow rate of speed can cause some serious issues.”
These fines will be given to individuals who use their devices while driving, stopped due to traffic, stopped at a red light, or during any other delays. In the event of an emergency drivers can still use their phones. Drivers are still permitted to use GPS, listen to music, or use hands-free technology to make calls
On June 5 those who are convicted of using a device while driving will be charged a $50 fine and any court costs or other fees. Pennsylvania will be enforcing a ban that prohibits texting while driving if their vehicle is in motion.
Pennsylvania’s campaign is simple.
“Make it Home and Text Later.”