Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District - By Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland)

May 29, 2025

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

Starting June 5, Pennsylvania drivers will have to decide if that text message is really worth being pulled over – or worse, a life.

Pennsylvania’s new hands-free law, known as Paul Miller’s Law, will take effect next week. The legislation bans the use of handheld cellphones or other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. Named in memory of a young man who was killed in a distracted driving crash in 2010, the law aims to make our roads safer.

While I voted “no” on this legislation, I believe it’s important to help Pennsylvanians understand what the law means, how it works and why it was proposed. I share the goal of reducing distracted driving and saving lives. However, I believe we can combat distracted driving without creating a new law.

The previous law prohibited drivers from sending, reading or writing text-based communications. The difference between the previous law and this new law may seem negligible, but they are very different. 

Because the previous law only applied to text communications, there were a variety of cell phone uses that were not against the law, such as setting your GPS to your next destination.

This new law can have unintended hardships for those with older or more basic vehicles. Enforcement and education are both key – but so is fairness. This law might unfairly burden drivers who own older vehicles that lack Bluetooth or hands-free capabilities. For many, especially seniors and lower-income individuals, upgrading to a hands-free system is not affordable.

In addition, many other distractions such as eating, personal grooming and just about anything else that diverts a driver’s attention from driving safely are equally a concern. For me, the real issue lies in driver distraction, rather than the specific item being used. I believe carving out one particular activity and making it illegal, though well-intended, is a knee-jerk reaction. The majority of my colleagues did not agree with me, and it is now the law. I want to make sure you are educated about it.

Under Paul Miller’s Law, holding a phone while driving is now a primary offense, meaning law enforcement can stop drivers solely for that reason. For the first year, police will issue warnings. Starting June 2026, violators face a $50 fine, plus court costs and fees. In fatal crash cases involving distraction, an additional five years of prison time may be added to the sentence.

The law still allows the use of phones with hands-free technology, such as mounts, Bluetooth or speakerphone. Emergency calls to police, fire or medical responders are also permitted. Drivers must pull over and stop to legally send a text or email message or make a handheld call.

Paul Miller’s law defines “interactive mobile devices” to include phones, tablets and smartwatches used for communication, browsing or recording. The law applies at red lights or in traffic, not just while moving.

According to PennDOT, distracted driving caused more than 11,000 crashes in 2023, resulting in 65 fatalities and more than 6,700 injuries. These are sobering numbers, and I share the frustration and pain of families impacted by such tragedies.

Other states with similar laws have seen success. A 2018 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Nationwide Insurance found that states with hands-free laws saw up to a 20% drop in crash-related fatalities. I support the goal, but I remain concerned about how we get there.

This law marks a new chapter in our fight against distracted driving. I strongly encourage all drivers to stay focused behind the wheel and avoid distractions, whether they be making phone calls, eating breakfast, applying makeup or fussing with the radio. We must make our roads safer for everyone.

Keep your eyes on the road!