Pennsylvania law banning hand-held phone use while driving goes into effect June 5

Pennsylvania's new hands-free cell phone law will go into effect in just over a week, banning hand-held phone use while driving.

The legislation, called Paul Miller's Law, is named after a man from Monroe County who died in a crash with a tractor-trailer. That crash was caused by a person who reached for their phone while driving.

The law not only prohibits the use of phones while driving, but also includes when a driver is stopped in traffic, at a red light or during a momentary delay.

According to the release, drivers can still use their phones to alert first responders and can still make calls, use a GPS and listen to music if they have hands-free technology.

Pennsylvania already enforces a texting-while-driving ban when a car is in motion.

Written warnings for phone use while driving will begin on June 5. Law enforcement will start issuing summary citations to violators on June 6, 2026.

"Paul Miller's Law is about saving lives," PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. "Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever. Make the safe choice. Put your phone out of reach and don't text and drive. One text, one glance down – it could kill someone. And it's not worth it."