Pennsylvania’s New Hands-Free Driving Law Is Now in Effect: What Drivers and Fleets Need to Know

As enforcement efforts increase, motor carriers should take this opportunity to review their driver qualification and licensing records.

Pennsylvania is taking a major step toward reducing distracted driving. Effective June 5, 2026, drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while operating a vehicle can face fines under Paul Miller’s Law, a new statewide hands-free driving law designed to improve roadway safety.

As summer travel ramps up and Pennsylvania prepares to host several nationally significant events, state officials are urging motorists to put their phones down, drive sober, and slow down.

For commercial drivers and fleet operators, understanding these changes is critical to maintaining safe operations and avoiding costly violations.

What Is Paul Miller’s Law?

Paul Miller’s Law prohibits drivers from holding or using a mobile device while driving, even when temporarily stopped in traffic, at a red light, or during other roadway delays. The law allows drivers to:

• Use hands-free technology
• Make calls through Bluetooth or vehicle-integrated systems
• Utilize GPS navigation
• Listen to music or podcasts
• Contact emergency services when necessary

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

The law is named after Paul Miller Jr., who was killed in 2010 when a distracted driver reached for a phone while operating a vehicle. Since then, his mother, Eileen Miller, has advocated for stronger distracted driving laws across the country.

Why This Matters for Commercial Drivers

Commercial drivers spend more time on the road than the average motorist, increasing their exposure to enforcement efforts and potential violations.

While many trucking companies have already implemented strict cell phone policies, Pennsylvania’s new law adds another layer of accountability.

Drivers should ensure they:

• Set navigation before beginning a trip
• Use approved hands-free devices
• Avoid handling phones while driving
• Pull over safely before interacting with a mobile device
• Understand company policies regarding mobile device usage

Fleet managers should consider reviewing driver safety policies and providing updated training to ensure compliance with the new law.

Increased Enforcement Ahead

Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement agencies are increasing enforcement efforts throughout the summer travel season.

Impaired Driving Campaign

Beginning June 15 and continuing through the Fourth of July holiday period, law enforcement agencies will conduct:

• Sobriety checkpoints
• Roving patrols
• Increased impaired driving enforcement

Aggressive Driving Enforcement Wave

From July 6 through August 16, enforcement efforts will focus on:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Red-light violations
• Pedestrian safety
• Heavy truck violations

Commercial vehicles often receive additional scrutiny during these enforcement campaigns, making compliance even more important for motor carriers and professional drivers.

Pennsylvania Expects Heavy Summer Travel

Pennsylvania officials anticipate increased traffic due to several major events, including:

• FIFA World Cup 26™ activities
• The MLB All-Star Game
• America250PA celebrations

The Pennsylvania Turnpike alone expects more than 58 million travelers this summer, creating more congestion and increasing the importance of safe driving practices.

Licensing and Driver Qualification Records Matter More Than Ever

As enforcement efforts increase, motor carriers should take this opportunity to review their driver qualification and licensing records.

Ensure drivers maintain:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs)
• Current Medical Examiner’s Certificates
• Accurate Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs)
• Proper endorsements and restrictions
• Up-to-date Driver Qualification Files (DQFs)

This can help reduce compliance risks and support safer fleet operations.

How Driver Qualification File Services Can Help

Many fleets lack the internal resources needed to manage DQFs effectively.

Professional driver qualification file services can assist with:

• File creation and maintenance
• Driver onboarding support
• Missing document identification
• Annual review management
• Compliance audits
• Digital file organization
• Record retention management

Outsourcing portions of DQF administration allows safety managers to focus on broader operational priorities while maintaining compliance confidence.

CNS helps trucking companies maintain compliant, audit-ready driver qualification files through comprehensive driver qualification file services, ongoing compliance support, and digital record management solutions.

Contact our team today to learn how we can simplify your DQF process and help keep your fleet inspection-ready year-round.