Pennsylvania mom continues to educate drivers on dangers of using phones while driving as law takes effect Friday
CBS News
Last updated: June 5, 2026
Pennsylvania's hands-free driving law, Paul Miller's Law, is now in effect with fines for handheld cellphone use. After a one-year warning period, drivers caught using handheld devices while operating a vehicle will face a $50 penalty, regardless of whether they are moving or stopped. This law aims to reduce distracted driving, a significant cause of preventable crashes.
- The new legislation, which became enforceable on Friday, targets the use of handheld cellphones while driving, including at red lights or in traffic. Prospect Park Police Chief Dave Madonna noted that despite a year of education, many drivers have not altered their habits, emphasizing that even minor distractions are dangerous. Signs are being used to remind drivers to focus on the road.
- Hands-free technology, such as voice commands, remains permissible. The law is named in memory of Paul Miller, who died in a 2010 crash caused by a distracted driver. His mother, Eileen Miller, has been a strong advocate for this legislation and continues to educate the public on the dangers of cellphone use while driving, comparing it to an addiction that leads to preventable accidents. She hopes the law will spare other families the grief her family experienced and also advocates for stricter penalties in work zones and improved seat belt safety.
