Most states have laws about cell phone use behind the wheel, and for good reason: driver distraction is one of the leading causes of auto accidents across the country. In Pennsylvania alone, distracted driving leads to over 10,000 crashes a year—about 10% of which involve handheld cell phone use.
Pennsylvania’s cell phone driving laws aim to hold distracted drivers accountable and reduce these preventable accidents.
Why Pennsylvania Cell Phone Driving Laws Matter
Taking your eyes off the road—even for a few seconds—can have devastating consequences. A distracted driver can drift out of a lane, miss a stop sign, fail to brake in time, or overlook a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Cell phones are especially dangerous because they take away your eyes, hands, and mind from driving.
These laws exist because too many people put others at risk by using their phones instead of focusing on the road.
Pennsylvania’s Hands-Free Law: Paul Miller’s Law
In June 2024, Pennsylvania passed Paul Miller’s Law, a major step toward safer roads. Starting June 5, 2025, drivers are prohibited from holding a phone while driving—including at red lights or in traffic jams. Only hands-free devices like Bluetooth systems are permitted.
This law honors Paul Miller Jr., a young man killed by a distracted driver. It allows for a one-year grace period where warnings are issued, but starting June 5, 2026, violations come with a $50 fine plus court costs (pa.gov).
Background of Cell Phone Laws in Pennsylvania
PennDOT first addressed cell phone use behind the wheel back in 2011, banning texting while driving. Since then, penalties have steadily increased.
In 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed Daniel’s Law after a tragic accident claimed the life of Daniel Gallatin, a longtime volunteer firefighter. Daniel was struck and killed by a texting driver. Under Daniel’s Law, texting while driving that causes serious injury can bring a two-year sentence, and causing a wrongful death can result in a five-year sentence.
Violators, even if no one is hurt, can face fines and points on their licenses. As the National Safety Council reminds drivers: pull over or wait to use your phone.
Distracted Driving by the Numbers in Pennsylvania
Distracted driving remains a deadly problem. In 2023 alone, there were 11,262 crashes involving distracted drivers in Pennsylvania, leading to 65 fatalities.
Every one of those crashes represents a life changed—or ended—because of a preventable choice.
Pennsylvania Enforces Cell Phone Violations as Primary Offenses
If a police officer sees you texting or using a handheld device while driving, they can pull you over immediately. They don’t need another reason to stop you.
Primary enforcement gives police the authority to stop distracted drivers before tragedy strikes.
Steps to Take After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you believe a distracted driver caused your accident, here’s what to do:
- Get medical help. Always prioritize your health and safety.
- Document everything. Take pictures of the vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries.
- Gather witness information. Eyewitness accounts can make a big difference.
- File a detailed police report. Mention if you suspect the other driver was distracted.
- Talk to a personal injury lawyer. Get help protecting your rights and pursuing compensation.
At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg, we have decades of experience fighting for victims of distracted driving crashes. We know how to build strong cases that help our clients recover financially and emotionally.
Talk to an Injury Lawyer Today
If you were hurt by a distracted driver who was texting or using a cell phone, don’t wait to get the help you need. Our car accident attorneys have more than 100 years of collective experience standing up for accident victims in Pennsylvania.
Contact us today at (888) 498-3023 or reach out online. Your consultation is free—and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
You can also learn more by checking out our PowerPoint presentation on Pennsylvania cell phone driving laws!