By Rick Schlegel, EHD Senior Risk Control Consultant
Paul Miller’s Law, which went into effect on June 5, 2025, prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving or stopped at a stoplight in Pennsylvania. The new law is intended to keep drivers’ focus on the road and elevate safety of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Drivers who violate this law will be fined $50. While this fee is minimal, there are insurance implications for those caught using handheld devices. These violations can impact rates with both commercial and personal auto insurance carriers, who want to ensure their policyholders are complying with all state and federal driving laws.
At EHD, we’re following this new rule closely. Here are a few key details of the new law:
- An interactive mobile device is defined 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.
- The law 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.
- Use of an interactive mobile device is defined 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.
As a primary offense, drivers can be stopped by police if they have a mobile device in their hand while driving. 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.
A driver may use an interactive mobile device if the driver moves the vehicle to the side of or off a highway and halts in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary. The hands-free law allows for an emergency use exception if it is necessary to communicate with a law enforcement official or other emergency service to prevent injury to persons or property.
If you have any questions about this new law and its penalties, please reach out to your EHD representative today.
