The Pennsylvania State Police issued hundreds of citations and warnings during a three-day statewide enforcement blitz targeting distracted drivers, just days after the state's new hands-free driving law took full effect.
Dubbed "Operation Hands Off," the crack-down ran from June 8 through June 10. Troopers across the Commonwealth focused heavily on drivers violating Paul Miller’s Law, resulting in 694 traffic citations and 308 warnings. Convicted violators now face a base fine of $50 plus court costs, which can push the total penalty to nearly $200.
Paul Miller's Law officially moved from a one-year warning period into full enforcement on June 6, 2026. The statute makes it strictly illegal for a driver to physically hold or support a cellphone or any interactive mobile device with any part of their body while operating a motor vehicle.
Law enforcement officials emphasize that the ban isn't limited to moving vehicles; drivers are legally prohibited from picking up a device even when temporarily stopped in traffic, waiting at a red light, or halted at a stop sign. Under the law, motorists cannot handle their phones to text, scroll social media, browse the internet, or manually dial a number.
The law still accommodates hands-free technology. Drivers can legally use Bluetooth or dashboard mounts for voice calls, GPS navigation, or music apps, provided they do not physically handle the device. Motorists are also completely permitted to hold a phone to contact 911 or emergency services in the event of an immediate crisis.
