As Pennsylvania prepares for a busy summer travel season, state officials are reminding motorists that a new hands-free driving law takes effect June 5.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission recently highlighted Paul Miller’s Law, which prohibits drivers from using a hand-held cell phone while operating a vehicle, including while stopped in traffic or at a red light. Drivers convicted of violating the law face a $50 fine, plus court costs and fees. Hands-free technology remains permitted.
The law is named after Paul Miller Jr., who was killed in a 2010 crash caused by a distracted driver who reached for a phone while behind the wheel. 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,” Miller said. “I don’t want any parent to ever have to go to a morgue to identify their child because of something so preventable. Your choices behind the wheel matter. Put down the phone.”
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said the law comes at a time when Pennsylvania is expecting increased traffic from major events taking place across the state this summer.
“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.”
State Police also announced that DUI enforcement efforts will increase beginning June 15 and continue through the Fourth of July holiday period, with checkpoints and roving patrols planned across the Commonwealth.
Officials are urging motorists to avoid distractions, obey speed limits and never drive impaired as summer travel gets underway.
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