Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll and Pennsylvania State Police were along Route 33 in Saylorsburg urging drivers to put down the phone while driving.

Effective Friday, drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will pay a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees under Paul Miller’s Law.

Officials were joined by Sen. Rosemary Brown and national traffic safety advocate Paul Miller Jr.’s mother, Eileen Miller.

Paul Miller’s Law prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other delays.

Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS and listen to music.

Pennsylvania also enforces a texting-while-driving ban that prohibits drivers from using mobile devices to send, read, or write text-based communications while their vehicle is in motion.

The law is named for Paul Miller Jr., who was killed in a crash with a tractor-trailer in 2010 on Route 33 in Monroe County, as the result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving. Since his death, Paul’s mother, Eileen Miller, has become a national advocate for stronger laws to curb distracted driving.

Additionally, depending on the circumstances, drivers who violate Paul Miller’s Law or the texting-while-driving ban may also be convicted of homicide by vehicle or aggravated assault by vehicle, and given increased sentences.

“Paul Miller’s Law is about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever. Make the safe choice. Put your phone out of reach and don’t text and drive. One text, one glance down — it could kill someone. And it’s not worth it.”

Eileen Miller added, “This law is for every family in Pennsylvania that doesn’t have to experience two state troopers knocking on their door to tell them that their loved one was killed by distracted driving. Paul Miller’s Law will be a beacon of protection for every driver and passenger in Pennsylvania.”

“Paul Miller’s Law is about preventing crashes and saving lives. As the warning period concludes, Troopers will begin issuing citations to drivers using handheld devices behind the wheel,” said PSP Troop N Public Information Officer Trooper Anthony Petroski III. “Distracted driving is dangerous, preventable, and significantly increases the risk of crashes. Just seconds of inattention can lead to devastating, life-altering consequences. The PSP urges all motorists to put their phones down and stay alert.”

According to PennDOT data, in 2025 there were 9,419 crashes involving a distracted driver, resulting in more than 5,500 injuries and 54 fatalities. Distracted driving crash data is believed to be underreported due to many drivers’ reluctance to admit to being distracted at the time of a crash.

Drivers can follow these steps for a safe drive:

• If you are expecting a text message or need to send one that can’t wait, pull over and park your car in a safe location before using your device.

• Ask a passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.

• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.

• Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone in a location that is inaccessible until you arrive at your destination.