Paul Miller’s Law will be fully enforced across Pennsylvania in 2026, bringing significant changes for drivers. For over a year, police focused on teaching drivers to drive safely by issuing warnings rather than tickets. The transition period ends on June 5, 2026, after which fines and other penalties begin.

The law has one main goal: to make roads safer and reduce distracted driving. It came about after years of campaigning, after Paul Miller Jr. died because a driver who was not paying attention to the road hit him. As enforcement approaches, our Pennsylvania injury law firm helps people understand how state safety laws affect their daily driving and legal duties. This article explains what Paul Miller’s Law says, how it is enforced in real life, and what drivers need to do in 2026 to stay in line with it.

What Paul Miller’s Law Requires Beginning in 2026

Hands-Free Driving Rules and Prohibited Conduct

As of June 5, 2026, drivers in Pennsylvania will not be able to hold or use a handheld mobile device while driving. This rule is always in effect, not just when a car is going full speed. The rule still applies even if you’re stuck in traffic or waiting at a red light.

The law allows drivers to use their phones without holding them. Drivers can use voice commands, dashboard-mounted phones, or built-in vehicle systems that don’t require touching the device. When safety requires it, people can still call the police, fire department, or medical services in an emergency.

The law makes things clear by saying exactly what drivers can and can’t do. Drivers in Pennsylvania don’t have to guess anymore if their actions count as distracted driving.

Enforcement Authority and Penalties for Violations

Paul Miller’s Law is now a serious crime in all states. This change lets police pull over a car just for a hands-free violation, even if no other traffic laws are broken. There is no longer a need for officers to have another reason to pull someone over.

Drivers who break the law have to pay a $50 fine for each offense, plus court costs and administrative fees. The base fine may not seem like much, but if you keep breaking the law, it can add up quickly. Many drivers don’t realize how quickly penalties can add up.

In terrible cases, the effects get much worse. A driver who kills someone while distracted could get up to five more years in prison. Statewide crash data shows that there are thousands of investigations into distracted driving each year. This is why lawmakers made enforcement stronger.

Why the Law Matters for Pennsylvania Drivers and Communities

Safety Goals and the Story Behind the Law

A truck driver who wasn’t paying attention caused a crash that killed Paul Miller Jr. in 2010. His family didn’t let the issue go away; instead, they pushed for stricter laws against driving while distracted. Their hard work led to Senate Bill 37. Lawmakers passed it, and it became law in 2024.

The law’s goal is still clear and direct. The goal is to cut down on the number of crashes, injuries, and deaths that could have been avoided if drivers had paid more attention to the road instead of their phones. Just a quick look away from the road can change everything.

The state’s overall safety goals are in line with full enforcement in 2026. To make drivers more responsible and keep up with the risks of driving today, Pennsylvania keeps changing its traffic laws.

What Drivers Should Do to Stay Compliant in 2026

Drivers can do a few simple things now to avoid problems later. Before you start driving, set up hands-free technology, not while you’re driving. Put phones in dashboard mounts to keep screens visible without touching them.

Don’t touch any device while the engine is running, even if you’re only stopping for a few minutes or are in heavy traffic. Drivers can avoid getting tickets and stay focused by making this a habit early on. Small changes can significantly improve safety.

Drivers can avoid fines, points, and legal trouble by learning the law in advance. Following the rules protects not only the driver but also passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers in Pennsylvania.

Conclusion

Paul Miller’s Law makes it clear that 2026 is a turning point in the enforcement of distracted driving. Driving without using your hands becomes required, the police get full primary enforcement power, and fines officially apply across the state. When someone dies because of a distraction, the penalties go up a lot.

Lehigh Valley Medical Malpractice Lawyers explain how safety laws affect liability and the risk of injury as these changes go into effect. Better driving habits do more than keep you from getting tickets. They help keep people safe and make Pennsylvania roads safer for everyone.