HARRISBURG, Pa. — Governor Josh Shapiro joined state lawmakers to sign Senate Bill 37 into law on Wednesday. The new law prohibits drivers from holding their cell phones to text or answer calls while driving.
The signing makes Pennsylvania the 29th state to ban distracted driving.
"We stand in a position to make our roadways safer, and do so in a way that is transparent and fair," said Gov. Shapiro.
The bill is also known as "Paul Miller's Law," named after a 21-year-old man who was killed by a distracted tractor-trailer driver in 2010. His mother, Eileen, said the signing ends a 14-year-long fight to cut down on distracted driving.
“I whispered in the ear of my son at the morgue, who I couldn’t even identify, that I would fight for change," said Eileen Miller. And today, it’s Paul Miller’s Law. I did it, Paul.”
According to PennDOT, more than 11,800 crashes and 80 deaths were caused by distracted driving in 2022.
The bill will go through a 12-month grace period when police can give written warnings to drivers. Starting in 2025, anyone who is caught violating the law will face a summary offense and a $50 fine.
Lawmakers and advocates are urging drivers to become familiar with the new law and protect other drivers.
“It’s my hope that not a single citation is written as a result of this bill and that drivers take the proactive step to not use their phones," said Mike Carroll, the secretary of PennDOT.
“That phone call can wait," added Eileen Miller. "Pull over.”