Eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Use of a mobile device while driving a vehicle is now a primary traffic offense under Paul Miller’s Law in Pennsylvania, which means it is enough on its own to get you pulled over. As of June 5, 2025, violating this hands-free driving law will result in a traffic stop and a written warning. After June 6, 2026, the penalty will be a traffic citation with a fine of $50 and associated costs.

Paul Miller’s Law prohibits cell phone use, even while the vehicle is temporarily stopped due to a red light, a stop sign or any other momentary delay. ‘Use’ includes using at least one hand or other body part to support the device and pressing more than one button on that device such as sending, reading and writing texts.

You may still use a GPS device or other hands-free technology that is integrated, physically or electronically, into the vehicle.

An emergency use exception allows for drivers to use their mobile devices to contact law enforcement and emergency services to prevent injury or further damage. Drivers are also allowed to use a mobile device if they safely pull over on the side of a roadway or highway.

Cpl. Ty Kegarise, a Mt. Lebanon police officer and member of the community outreach unit, said the goal is “education first.” At this point, Mt. Lebanon police officers will be stopping people they witness in violation of the law to address and correct the problem before the next year when fines will be imposed.

The department will not add additional enforcement or patrols.

“Distracted driving, in the last 10 years, has become one of the leading causes of crashes in the Commonwealth,” said Kegarise.

This law is not meant to punish people. It is to “encourage people to drive in a safe manner, so that everyone gets home at the end of the day.” He cautions the public to pay special attention to the fact that mobile device use at a red light will result in a traffic stop.

Lt. Scott Green, of the traffic services unit, agreed that their job is “educating and informing.” The Mt. Lebanon Police Department will be providing further resources about the law on its social media accounts.

Originally known as Pennsylvania Senate Bill 37, Paul Miller’s Law is named for a young man from Monroe County who died in 2010 after a crash with a tractor trailer. The driver of the trailer was reaching for his phone when the crash occurred. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law on June 5, 2024, and it became effective today.

The law includes an amendment requiring that police officers collect public data on drivers pulled over during traffic stops including race, ethnicity and gender demographics.

“This law is new to all of us,” said Kegarise, noting it will take time to adjust and educate, but it will ultimately increase the safety of the public on Pennsylvania roads.