Starting on June 5, 2025, all Pennsylvania drivers will need to put down their phones while behind the wheel. "Paul Miller’s Law" bans handheld mobile device use while operating a vehicle, in an effort to curb the growing epidemic of crashes resulting from distracted driving. This law aims to reduce the number of tragic accidents that result from drivers using a phone or other mobile device while driving.

At Frischman & Rizza, our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers have seen firsthand how lives can be changed—or ended—by distracted driving. This new law could make a real difference in public safety. Here’s what drivers throughout Pennsylvania need to know.

Paul Miller’s Law: A Hard-Won Legislative Victory

Named after 21-year-old Paul Miller Jr., who was killed by a distracted driver in 2010, this new law is the result of over a decade of advocacy by Paul’s mother, Eileen Miller, who has become a nationally recognized figure in the push to end distracted driving.

What the law prohibits:

Handheld mobile device use is banned while driving or stopped in active traffic

Hands-free use is permitted using Bluetooth, dashboard mounts, or voice control

Applies to all mobile electronic devices—including smartwatches, not just cell phones

To learn more about the impact of Pennsylvania's Distracted Driving Law, view PennDOT's Fact Sheet here.

Does That Really Count As Distracted Driving?

YES! Chances are, if you're holding your phone while in the driver's seat, even just for a brief moment, you are potentially violating this new law.
Common activities that are no longer allowed under the new law include:

Holding a phone to make or receive calls

Sending or reading text messages

Manually using apps, including navigation or music apps such as Spotify or Apple Music

Checking notifications or scrolling social media

Typing anything on the screen while driving or idling at traffic lights

Why This Law Matters to Drivers in Pennsylvania

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on Pennsylvania roads. In 2023, PennDOT reported 11,484 crashes involving distracted drivers, many resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Our personal injury attorneys know the pain these crashes cause. As car crashes in Pennsylvania continue to take a devastating toll on families, we at Frischman & Rizza have seen how a single moment of negligence behind the wheel can change a life forever. With greater education about this law and by spreading awareness of the impact of distracted driving, the goal of this law, to make our roads a safer place, can be to the benefit of everyone on the road in PA.

Tips for Staying Safe and Legal

Follow these tips to stay compliant with Paul Miller’s Law and reduce your risk on the road:

Use a secure phone mount on your dashboard or windshield

Set your GPS destination before you start driving

Activate voice commands for calls or texts

Turn on Do Not Disturb mode while driving

If you need to use your device, pull off safely to the side

A one-year warning period from June 2025 to June 2026 will be in place, after which stronger enforcement will begin, including fines starting at $50.

If You’ve Been Hurt by a Distracted Driver

If a distracted driver has injured you or someone you love, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced attorneys can help you pursue a claim for:

Medical bills and rehabilitation costs

Lost wages and loss of future earnings

Pain and suffering

Permanent disability or impairment

Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed

Our team investigates thoroughly, including examining medical records, surveillance footage, and witness accounts in order to put on the strongest case possible for you. Let our team fight for your recovery.

Why Frischman & Rizza?

Frischman & Rizza, P.C. brings together over 100 years of combined experience in personal injury and auto crash litigation. Our firm is based in Pittsburgh and represents clients all across Pennsylvania.

Here at Frischman & Rizza, P.C. we take on cases that matter—both small and catastrophic—and we fight for the best outcome for you. There’s never any fee unless we recover compensation for you. Call us today for a free consultation.

Talk to a Pittsburgh Car Crash Lawyer Today

If you have questions about Paul Miller’s Law or believe a distracted driver caused your accident, contact Frischman & Rizza for help with your case.
 

7300 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
201 Basin Street, Unit #8, Williamsport, PA 17701
(412) 247-7300

www.frlawpa.com

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