Paul Miller’s Law: PA’s New Texting and Driving Law
Pennsylvania has taken preventative measures to limit the number of distracted drivers on the road this summer, implementing a new law in the coming weeks
What is the new texting law in PA?
Pennsylvania will prohibit any driver from using an interactive mobile device (IMD) while driving a motor vehicle. This law, known as the Paul Miller’s law, will take effect June 5, 2025.
“I never ever thought that it would take well over 12 years to get this legislation when all of our neighboring states have it. But I made that promise,” said Eileen, Paul Miller’s mother.
Who is Paul Miller?
Paul Miller was killed in 2010 when a distracted driver crossed a center grass divider and traveled head-on into Paul’s car. For more on Paul Miller’s story [CLICK HERE]
What is Paul Miller’s law?
Known as Paul Miller’s Law, this law bans the use of hand-held devices while driving. According to Pa.gov, the law:
- Defines the use of an interactive mobile device as using at least one hand to hold, or supporting with another part of the body, an interactive mobile device, dialing or answering an interactive mobile device by pressing more than a single button, or reaching for an interactive mobile device that requires a driver to maneuver so that the driver is no longer in a seated driving position, restrained by a seat belt.
- Defines an interactive mobile device as a handheld wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, portable or mobile computer, or similar device which can be used for voice communication, texting, emailing, browsing the Internet, instant messaging, playing games, taking or transmitting images, recording or broadcasting videos, creating or sharing social media or otherwise sending or receiving electronic data.
- Defines driving as operating a motor vehicle on a highway, including anytime the motor vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device (e.g., a traffic light or stop sign), or other momentary delay.
What are the Penalties Under this Law?
For the first 12 months, the penalty is a written warning.
Effective June 5, 2026, the penalty is a summary offense with a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.
If a driver is convicted of homicide by vehicle and driving while distracted, they may be sentenced up to an additional five years in prison.
Which states still allow texting while driving?
Missouri and Montana are the only states that currently allow texting and driving. according to ‘I drive safely’ It is a primary offense in 47 of those 48 states that have banned this driving hazard.
READ MORE ON PHILADELPHIA LAW:
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