Paul Miller's Law takes effect: What Pa. drivers need to know
Pennsylvania drivers caught holding their phones while behind the wheel could now be pulled over, thanks to a new law.
Paul Miller's Law went into effect Thursday. It bans the use of handheld devices while operating a vehicle in Pennsylvania. Advocates, most notably, Paul Miller's mom, really believe this law will save lives. #distracteddriving #foryou #politics #fyp #cellphone #pennsylvania
https://6abc.com/post/paul-millers-law-pennsylvania-ban-handheld-cellphone-use-driving-takes-effect/16663727/
As of today, any use of any handheld device while driving is illegal in Pennsylvania.
Paul Miller's law took effect this morning, expanding the state's ban on distracted driving and putting new penalties into effect.
The law is named for a man who lost his life in 2010 in a crash caused by a distracted driver.
And as Paul Miller's mother told Rebecca Hendrickson today, this law is his legacy.
Advocates really believe this law will save lives.
Because it makes it so as soon as you get into the car, before you start driving you have to put the phone away or risk being pulled over.
I was proud to be his mom and I loved him and that I needed him to know that I was there.
It's the day Eileen Miller has been working toward for more than a decade.
A promise fulfilled to her son after he was killed by a distracted driver.
I whispered in his ear that when I found out what had caused that crash that I would fight for change.
I just never thought it would take 12 years in Pennsylvania to get common sense legislation.
That legislation is called Paul Miller's law.
The Scranton man was killed in 2010 when a tractor trailer driver reached for his phone and crashed head on into Paul.
The now active law bans Pennsylvania drivers from using their handheld devices while driving.
Driving would include anytime you are stationary, temporarily in traffic.
That includes when drivers are stopped at red lights.
I was actually surprised when I heard about it. I thought we already had that in place.
Some drivers we spoke to thought it was already the law.
I think too many people are distracted by their phone when they're driving.
Even at red lights I see people playing with their phone. I think it's really unsafe.
Eileen hopes this law will make Pennsylvania roads safer.
We will be saving lives and that was always my main goal.
For the first year if you get pulled over for holding your cell phone while driving you'll just get a warning.
Starting in 2026 it will be a $50 fine.
In Broomall, Becca Hendrickson, Channel 6 Action News.