Distracted Driving Fines Begin Friday Across State

Pennsylvania drivers using hand-held devices while behind the wheel will start getting fined on Friday.

State transportation and law enforcement agencies will begin enforcing a crackdown on hand-held devices while urging drivers to slow down and drive sober as summer travel picks up across the state.

Under Paul Miller’s Law, drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will pay a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.

The law bars drivers from using hand-held devices even when stopped temporarily in traffic or at a red light, according to the announcement.

Drivers may still use phones to contact authorities in an emergency and may use hands-free technology for calls, GPS and music.

The law is named for Paul Miller Jr., who was killed in a 2010 crash in Monroe County involving a distracted driver who reached for a phone while driving.

Since then, his mother, Eileen Miller, has advocated for stronger distracted driving laws.

“This law will save lives and that is the most important thing,” she said during an event in Harrisburg with PennDOT, Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. “I don’t want any parent to ever have to go to a morgue to identify their child — like I did — because of something so preventable. Your choices behind the wheel matter. Put down the phone!”

According to PennDOT data, there were 2,190 impaired-driving crashes from June through August last year, resulting in 85 fatalities and 1,552 injuries.

During the same period, there were 952 crashes involving at least one speeding driver, resulting in 61 fatalities and 818 injuries.

PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said Pennsylvania expects millions of visitors as the state hosts major events, including the FIFA World Cup 26™, MLB All-Star Game and America250PA.

“With Pennsylvania poised to become the center of America’s biggest moments this summer, it’s more important than ever to drive safely,” Carroll said. “Please put the phone down when you are driving! It’s not only dangerous, it’s now also illegal. Slow down, be kind, and never drive impaired by any substance.”

Enforcement efforts are also increasing.

Beginning June 15 and continuing through the Fourth of July weekend, PSP and local law enforcement will conduct checkpoints and roving patrols as part of the Fourth of July Impaired Driving Campaign.

The next Aggressive Driving Enforcement Wave begins July 6 and runs through Aug. 16, focusing on speeding, tailgating, red light running, pedestrian safety and heavy truck violations.