Pennsylvania drivers face $50 fines as Paul Miller’s Law takes effect
Updated: 10:18 AM EDT Jun 5, 2026
Starting today, Friday, June 5, drivers caught holding a phone while behind the wheel will face a $50 fine, plus court costs and fees, under Paul Miller’s Law.Video above: Distracted truck driver hit, killed Paul Miller | Full interview on WGAL 8 In Focus.For the past year, police have issued warnings to drivers violating the hands-free law. As of June 5, that warning period is over, and officers are now ticketing distracted drivers, even if they are stopped in traffic or sitting at a red light while scrolling on their phones.Drivers using Bluetooth or other hands-free, voice-activated technology are still exempt under the law. Phones and devices may also be used to report emergencies or call for help in dangerous situations.“This law has never, ever, ever been about punishment. Never. It’s always been about saving lives,” said Eileen Miller, Paul Miller’s mother. “I never want another parent to have to go to the morgue to try to identify their child by something so preventable as distracted driving. My son did not have to die that day.”Eileen Miller joined state transportation agencies earlier this week to stress the law’s importance ahead of its enforcement date.Paul Miller’s Law is named after 21-year-old Paul Miller, who was killed in a distracted driving crash in 2010. His mother spent 14 years advocating for stronger protections to prevent similar tragedies. You can read her full story here.
Starting today, Friday, June 5, drivers caught holding a phone while behind the wheel will face a $50 fine, plus court costs and fees, under Paul Miller’s Law.
Video above: Distracted truck driver hit, killed Paul Miller | Full interview on WGAL 8 In Focus.
For the past year, police have issued warnings to drivers violating the hands-free law.
As of June 5, that warning period is over, and officers are now ticketing distracted drivers, even if they are stopped in traffic or sitting at a red light while scrolling on their phones.
Drivers using Bluetooth or other hands-free, voice-activated technology are still exempt under the law. Phones and devices may also be used to report emergencies or call for help in dangerous situations.
“This law has never, ever, ever been about punishment. Never. It’s always been about saving lives,” said Eileen Miller, Paul Miller’s mother. “I never want another parent to have to go to the morgue to try to identify their child by something so preventable as distracted driving. My son did not have to die that day.”
Eileen Miller joined state transportation agencies earlier this week to stress the law’s importance ahead of its enforcement date.
Paul Miller’s Law is named after 21-year-old Paul Miller, who was killed in a distracted driving crash in 2010. His mother spent 14 years advocating for stronger protections to prevent similar tragedies. You can read her full story here.