Using a mobile phone while driving in Pennsylvania (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Holding or supporting a mobile device while driving is banned under Paul Miller's Law, and texting is banned separately; both are primary offences. Hands-free use with one-button dialling is allowed. The fine is USD 50 plus costs.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed with limits [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $50.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Using an interactive mobile device to send, read or write a text-based communication (text message, instant message, email) while the vehicle is in motion is banned. GPS devices and systems integrated into the vehicle are not covered. [1] |
| Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes. Both the hand-held device ban (Paul Miller's Law, in force since 5 June 2025) and the texting ban are primary offences, so police can stop drivers seen with a mobile device in their hand. [1] |
Notes
- Paul Miller's Law, effective 5 June 2025, prohibits as a primary offence using an interactive mobile device while driving, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic or a signal. 'Use' means holding the device with at least one hand or supporting it with another part of the body, dialling or answering by pressing more than a single button, or reaching for it so the driver is no longer seated and restrained. A driver may use it after moving to the side of or off the highway and halting safely, and there is an exception for emergency communication with law enforcement or emergency services.
- Holding, supporting, or pressing more than a single button to dial or answer counts as use; the PennDOT page calls the rule a hands-free law.
- The penalty was a written warning for the first 12 months (from 5 June 2025). From 5 June 2026 it is a summary offence with a USD 50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.
- The page states that the separate texting-while-driving offence (USD 50 fine) carries no points and is not recorded on non-commercial driver records. It states no points for the handheld offence, so none is confirmed.
Sources
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT): Distracted driving (Paul Miller's Law and texting ban), PennDOT traffic safety driver topics (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Pennsylvania and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | Banned (holding) | Hands-free; one-button only | USD 50 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Delaware | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | No points |
| Maryland | Banned (no hand use) | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | None unless crash |
| New Jersey | Banned (primary offence) | Allowed | USD 200 to 400 | None (3 from third offence) |
| New York | Banned | Hands-free allowed | From USD 50 (range USD 50-200) | 5 points |
| Ohio | Banned (calls at the ear allowed) | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | 2 points |
| West Virginia | Banned | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | None (3 on third) |
More rules in Pennsylvania
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 35 mph; 25 mph local residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 6 mths (junior licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Pedalcycle · Minimum age: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, 18+ (licensed sale outlets) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named in 908 · Locking or one-handed knives: Not named in 908
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only occupants under 18
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (minors)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.