It has surely happened to you, your phone rings or you get a notification while you’re driving. The right thing to do would be to ignore it, but you just can’t help the curiosity of knowing who’s calling… Well, in Pennsylvania, you’ll now get automatic $50 fines just for having your hands in the wrong position.
Yes, just as you read. Pennsylvania is tightening its road safety measures and doesn’t want any violator to slip through. Now, even those who are stopped in their car can receive fines, starting on June 5.
What’s going on?
Pennsylvania. A new law. Immediate $50 fines just for holding a phone while driving, even when stopped.
Known as the Paul Miller Law, it aims to put an end to driver distractions behind the wheel, one of the leading causes of accidents in the state.
The law comes after over a decade of advocacy from the family of Paul Miller Jr., a 21-year-old who died in 2010 after being hit by a distracted truck driver reaching for his phone. Since then, his parents pushed for a law that has finally been passed and aims to save lives.
More than just a traffic law
Paul’s mother, Eileen Miller, said she was emotional to see the realization of a project that took 12 years of legislative effort. “My goal was to get phones out of drivers’ hands. That’s the most important thing”, she said. In 2023, distracted driving caused over 11,200 accidents in the state, even surpassing alcohol-related incidents. Since this is such a serious problem in our society, Pennsylvania didn’t want to be left behind.
What does the new law say?
The new law prohibits holding a phone under any circumstance, even if the vehicle is completely stopped. Exceptions are only allowed if the driver is making an emergency call to 911 or if the device is connected through Bluetooth or a voice-assistance system. So forget about reading your WhatsApp messages or asking mom what’s for lunch on Sunday while you’re driving.
When does it take effect and how much is the fine?
Starting on June 5, anyone caught with a phone in their hand will receive a $50 fine, along with possible court and administrative fees.
But you’ll have time to adjust, because for now, authorities will only issue warnings as part of an adaptation period.
What is “distracted driving”?
Many drivers think distracted driving only means using a phone, but in reality, anything that takes your attention off the road, even for a split second, counts as distracted driving. Turning the music up or down, adjusting the GPS, eating, drinking, putting on makeup, or reaching for objects in another seat, all of it poses a serious risk to everyone else.
A national trend?
Pennsylvania isn’t the only state tightening traffic laws. In 2025, several U.S. states will implement new regulations. The reason? More than 40,000 lives are lost every year in traffic accidents. It’s time someone tried to end this scourge that defines us as a society. 40,000 lives didn’t make it home.
More than just a rule
In addition to protecting anyone who sets foot on a road or sidewalk, this law, the Paul Miller Law, is the result of a family’s tremendous effort to prevent others from suffering the same loss they did, to make sure no more places are left empty at the table.
What do they want? Beyond collecting money (which is definitely not the case), they want to raise awareness and promote driving habits that don’t endanger lives. Responsibility and care, there’s nothing more to ask when we’re talking about human lives!