PA troopers issue 694 citations under new hand-held cellphone ban for drivers

State police wasted no time enforcing Pennsylvania’s new law banning the use of hand-held devices while driving.

Paul Miller’s Law took effect June 5, ending the one-year warning period and allowing police to issue tickets for violations.

Troopers conducted a statewide enforcement initiative, Operation Hands Off, from June 8 to 10 aimed at deterring the use of interactive mobile devices while driving in an effort to reduce crashes and prevent fatalities.

During the three-day initiative, troopers issued 694 traffic citations and 308 warnings related to Paul Miller’s Law. The effort also resulted in 6,013 other traffic citations, 4,090 other warnings and 98 DUI arrests, troopers said.

During the one-year warning period - June 5, 2025 to June 5, 2026 - troopers issued 1,616 warnings under Paul Miller’s Law.

The 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 of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS and listen to music.

A driver may use an interactive mobile device if the driver moves the vehicle to the side of or off a highway and stops where the vehicle can safely remain stationary.

Drivers convicted under the law face a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.

The law is named for Paul Miller Jr., who was killed in a crash with a tractor-trailer in 2010 in Monroe County. The accident was caused by a distracted driver who reached for a phone while driving, officials said.

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.

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This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 1:20 PM.