BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Drivers in the Lehigh Valley already are being cited under Pennsylvania's new hands-free driving law.
Court records show enforcement began almost immediately after the law's citation phase took effect Friday.
A review of violations filed since June 5 found dozens of charges for the "prohibited use of interactive mobile device" across Lehigh and Northampton counties.
A review Tuesday morning of dozens of citations filed by state police in a 24-hour period found drivers cited under the law ranged in age from 20 to their 60s, suggesting the behavior spans multiple generations.LehighValleyNews.com review of citations
The citations were issued by a mix of local police departments and state police, with troopers from the Fogelsville station accounting for many of the newly filed cases on Monday, June 8, across Lower and Upper Macungie townships.
A review Tuesday morning of dozens of citations filed by state police in a 24-hour period found drivers cited under the law ranged in age from 20 to their 60s, suggesting the behavior spans multiple generations.
The average age of the cited drivers against records pulled was 37.
Municipalities where officers had written citations included the cities of Allentown and Bethlehem, along with the boroughs of Freemansburg, Fountain Hill and Walnutport.
'Establishing good habits'
The records offer one of the first local snapshots of how police agencies are enforcing Paul Miller's Law, which prohibits drivers from using a hand-held mobile device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped temporarily in traffic or at a red light.
The law, signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2024, officially entered its citation phase Friday after a one-year warning period intended to educate motorists about the upcoming change.
Drivers still may use hands-free technology for phone calls, navigation and music, and may use a phone to contact emergency services.
"It may take an adjustment period, but we are hopeful to see a change in behavior and safer roadways for all Pennsylvanians."Bethlehem Police Capt. William Audelo
Bethlehem Police Capt. William Audelo said starting in October, the department will have targeted Distracted Driving details through a PennDOT Police Traffic Services grant.
During those details, officers will target distracted driving violations, Audelo said.
He said police expect drivers also will need time to adjust to the new requirements.
"We like to remind the public that we do not author new legislation," Audelo said. "Our role is enforcing the laws of the commonwealth fairly and equally.
"Pennsylvania was one of the last states to enact a cell-phone ban and I would expect it will take some time for drivers to change any unsafe habits they may have developed.
"While we are enforcing Paul Miller’s Law, we are also trying to educate the public about the law, so they have an understanding of what is allowed on our roadways," he said.
"I do believe younger drivers, who will only know driving without cell phones, will benefit from establishing good habits early in their lives.
"So it may take an adjustment period, but we are hopeful to see a change in behavior and safer roadways for all Pennsylvanians."
'It's not worth it'
State officials delivered a similar message Monday during an event along Route 33 in Monroe County encouraging motorists to put their phones away while driving.
"Paul Miller’s Law is about saving lives," PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. "Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever. Make the safe choice.
"Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever. Make the safe choice."PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll
"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."
The law is named after Paul Miller Jr., who was killed in a 2010 crash on Route 33 when a distracted driver reached for a phone.
"Nearly 15 years ago, two Dunmore state troopers knocked on my door to tell me that my son was killed," said Eileen Miller, Paul Miller Jr.'s mother.
"My son did everything right — he was killed by someone else’s unsafe choices behind the wheel. 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."
'About preventing crashes, saving lives'
State police again reminded drivers the warning period has ended and troopers are now issuing citations.
"Distracted driving is dangerous, preventable, and significantly increases the risk of crashes. Just seconds of inattention can lead to devastating, life-altering consequences."PSP Troop N Public Information Officer Trooper Anthony Petroski III
"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," PSP Troop N Public Information Officer Trooper Anthony Petroski III said.
"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, Pennsylvania recorded 9,419 crashes involving a distracted driver in 2025, resulting in more than 5,500 injuries and 54 fatalities.
Transportation officials believe distracted-driving crashes are underreported because many drivers do not admit they were distracted at the time of a crash.
Drivers convicted under Paul Miller's Law face a state-mandated $50 fine. However, the exact total cost of the citation can vary because of state and local court costs, EMS fees and surcharges.
In many PA jurisdictions, the additional fees bring the out-of-pocket cost to $203.25.
