New 2025 Cell Phone Law for Drivers in Pennsylvania

With distracted driving on the rise, Pennsylvania is taking significant steps to combat one of the leading causes of road fatalities and injuries—driver cell phone use. The new 2025 cell phone law aims to make roads safer for everyone, holding drivers accountable for their actions behind the wheel.

This article will explore the statistics driving this change, current Pennsylvania cell phone use laws, and how expert attorneys like Lepley, Engelman, Yaw & Wilk can provide support when needed the most.

The Impact of Distracted Driving in Pennsylvania

Distracted driving, primarily due to cell phone use, continues to cause devastating consequences on Pennsylvania roads. According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving was responsible for 3,308 fatalities nationwide in 2023 alone. Closer to home, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reports that distracted driving contributed to nearly 12,000 automobile accidents in 2023, including 65 fatalities.

Studies show that texting or scrolling through cell phone apps while driving increases the risk of a crash by up to 23 times compared to driving without distractions. Simply answering a cell phone call or checking notifications on your homes screen can greatly compromise reaction times, putting drivers, their passengers, and pedestrians in harm's way. These concerning statistics are a primary factor behind Pennsylvania's decision to enact stricter laws on cell phone use for drivers starting later this year.

Current Pennsylvania Cell Phone Use Laws While Driving

Pennsylvania already has legislation in place to curb distracted driving, but legislators are always looking to make improvements. Here's an overview of the current state laws regarding cell phone use while driving:

• Texting While Driving: It is illegal for all drivers in Pennsylvania to text while driving. This includes sending, reading, or writing text-based communications, such as emails or instant messages. Violations carry a $50 fine.
• Handheld Devices: No state law currently bans handheld phone use for all drivers, though texting is a primary offense. This creates a gray area, especially as hands-free options become standard in newer vehicles.
• School Zone and Work Zone Restrictions: Drivers are prohibited from using handheld devices in active school zones and designated highway work zones to enhance safety.

These laws mark a foundation for safer roads, but Pennsylvania's legislators recognize the need for more stringent measures. That’s where the 2025 cell phone law comes into play.

What the New 2025 Cell Phone Law Enforces - Paul Miller’s Law

Effective June 5, 2025, the Paul Miller Law establishes a primary offense for any driver using an interactive mobile device (IMD) while operating a motor vehicle. The law defines an IMD as a handheld wireless phone, personal digital assistant, smartphone, portable or mobile computer, or any similar device capable of activities such as voice communication, texting, emailing, internet browsing, instant messaging, gaming, capturing or transmitting images, recording or broadcasting videos, interacting with social media, or sending and receiving electronic data.

Here’s what the legislation entails:

Hands-Free Requirement
Drivers cannot hold their phones for any reason while operating a vehicle, even at red lights or stop signs. This includes making calls, reading texts, scrolling through social media, or using GPS apps. Drivers may only use cell phones through hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth or voice commands, to reduce manual distractions.

Enhanced Penalties
Violators of the new law will face steeper fines, points on their driver’s license, and possible increases in insurance premiums—a significant deterrent to help change driver behavior.

Exceptions for Emergencies
The law includes exceptions for using a phone to report emergencies, such as accidents, fires, or medical incidents.

This new legislation makes Pennsylvania one of the growing number of states adopting a zero-tolerance stance on handheld device use.

How Lepley, Engelman, Yaw & Wilk Can Help

Even with the new law in place, accidents caused by distracted driving are likely to remain a pressing issue. Whether you’re the victim of a distracted driving accident or facing legal challenges as a driver who violated cell phone use laws, we are here to help you through every step of the process.

If you’ve been impacted by a distracted driving-related incident or have questions about your legal rights, contact Lepley, Engelman, Yaw and Wilk today. Together, we can drive toward safer roads.