Pennsylvania to ban talking and scrolling on phones while driving, effective next week.

Starting June 5, Pennsylvania will implement a stringent ban on handheld phone usage while driving to enhance road safety and reduce distractions. The new legislation aims to address the rising incidence of distracted driving across the state, which has been a contributing factor to many traffic accidents.

Under the new law, drivers will be prohibited from using handheld devices for any purpose, including making calls or scrolling through social media, even when halted at traffic signals or in congested traffic. Although texting while driving was previously outlawed, this updated regulation expands the prohibition to encompass activities such as taking photographs, playing mobile games, and engaging in email or social media interactions while operating a vehicle.

As one of the last states in the region to adopt this law, Pennsylvania follows a national trend, with 35 states and the District of Columbia having already enacted similar restrictions on handheld phone use for drivers. The legislation, commonly referred to as “Paul Miller’s Law,” is named in memory of Paul Miller Jr., who tragically lost his life in a highway accident attributed to a distracted truck driver. Governor Josh Shapiro signed the bipartisan bill, reflecting a collective commitment to improving traffic safety.

Statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation indicate that in 2024, approximately 9,950 accidents linked to distracted driving resulted in over 6,000 injuries and 49 fatalities. The new law seeks to mitigate these figures by encouraging drivers to resist the temptation of using their phones while behind the wheel.

While the law prohibits handheld usage, drivers are still allowed to utilize hands-free options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to ensure that they can maintain focus on the road. Emergency situations will also warrant an exception to the handheld device ban. PennDOT recommends that drivers silence notifications and, whenever possible, designate a passenger as a “designated texter” to further discourage device usage while driving.

Initially, law enforcement will issue warnings for violations of this new law, with enforcement of penalties commencing on June 6, 2026. Drivers caught using their phones could face a fine of for a summary offense. Officers are empowered to conduct traffic stops based on suspected handheld device usage, with local agencies tasked with disseminating educational resources to help identify distracted drivers effectively.

Additionally, this legislation introduces a reporting requirement aimed at monitoring racial profiling during traffic stops. Police departments in Pennsylvania will be required to report demographics associated with traffic stops, including perceived race, gender, and outcomes. This requirement, advocated by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, is intended to capture a broader statistical overview of traffic interactions.

The law also mandates that individuals seeking a learner’s permit receive education on the risks associated with distracted driving, with corresponding questions included in the permit test. As Pennsylvania prepares to enact these new regulations, the aim is to foster safer roads for all users by curbing distractions behind the wheel.

For further details on the legislation and its implications, residents can refer to updates from the Pennsylvania state officials.

This legislative move marks a significant step towards promoting safer driving habits and reducing the hazards posed by distracted driving within the state, aligning Pennsylvania with a broader national commitment to road safety.

Media News Source.