With just days remaining until the effective date of “Paul Miller’s Law,” officials across Pennsylvania are urging drivers to put down their phones and focus on the road.
Signed by Governor Josh Shapiro on June 5, 2024, the law—formally known as Senate Bill 37 and now Act 18 of 2024—takes effect exactly one year later on June 5, 2025. The legislation makes it illegal to use a handheld mobile device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at red lights or in traffic.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), and Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) joined State Senator Rosemary Brown and advocate Eileen Miller on Tuesday to remind motorists of the law’s significance and its life-saving intent.
“Paul Miller’s Law is about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “One text, one glance down—it could kill someone. Make the safe choice. Put your phone away and don’t drive distracted.”
The law, named in memory of Paul Miller Jr., a Monroe County man who was killed in 2010 by a distracted driver reaching for their phone, aims to curb the deadly consequences of inattentive driving. Since her son’s death, Eileen Miller has become a national voice for stronger distracted driving legislation.
“Nearly 15 years ago, two Dunmore state troopers knocked on my door to tell me that my son was killed,” said Eileen Miller. “Paul did everything right—he was killed by someone else’s choice. This law is for every family that should never have to experience that kind of pain.”
Under Paul Miller’s Law, drivers will still be allowed to use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use GPS, or play music. Emergency calls to 911 or other emergency services are also exempt.
Beginning June 5, 2025, law enforcement will begin issuing written warnings to violators. Starting June 6, 2026, police will be authorized to issue summary citations for handheld device use behind the wheel.
“The Pennsylvania State Police will enforce the new law to its full extent,” said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. “Distracted driving is not a minor offense. Just one second of inattention can result in irreversible consequences.”
“Safety is the driving force of what we do at the Pennsylvania Turnpike,” added PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “Paul Miller’s Law is a meaningful step toward making our roads safer for everyone.”
The law also includes a provision to address concerns about bias in traffic stops. It requires law enforcement agencies to collect data on drivers pulled over—including race, ethnicity, and gender—with results to be published in an annual public report. This amendment was supported by Governor Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus.
State Senator Rosemary Brown (R–Lackawanna, Monroe, Wayne), who sponsored the bill, expressed pride in the law’s broad bipartisan support.
“This is a commonsense public safety measure,” said Brown. “Cell phones are the most consistent and dangerous distraction in our vehicles. This law will save lives and change behaviors. I’m grateful for the support that got us here—and for the tireless advocacy of my friend, Eileen Miller.”
The need for the law is backed by grim statistics. According to PennDOT, 2024 saw nearly 10,000 crashes involving distracted driving, resulting in more than 6,000 injuries and 49 deaths. Officials note that distracted driving incidents are widely believed to be underreported.
PennDOT urges drivers to take the following steps for a safer drive:
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Pull over safely if you must send or read a text.
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Ask a passenger to serve as a “designated texter.”
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Avoid scrolling or messaging on social media.
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Use your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature or keep it out of reach.
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Remember, distractions aren’t limited to cell phones. Anything that takes your focus off the road puts you—and others—at risk.
According to state data, driver behavior contributes to 83% of annual crashes in Pennsylvania. Distracted, aggressive, and impaired driving remain the leading culprits.