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Pennsylvania Phone Use While Driving Laws (2026)

Restricted: Under Paul Miller's Law, Pennsylvania bans handheld use of any interactive mobile device for all drivers and requires hands-free use instead.

RestrictedVerified Jul 13, 2026

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Under Paul Miller's Law, Pennsylvania bans handheld use of any interactive mobile device for all drivers and requires hands-free use instead. The law took effect June 5, 2025 with warnings only in its first year, and $50 fines began June 5, 2026 (75 Pa.C.S. 3316.1).

Official source: pa.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Phone Use While Driving in states bordering Pennsylvania

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

DelawareRestricted
Delaware bans handheld electronic device use for all drivers and requires hands-free use instead. See 21 Del. C. 4176C.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: delcode.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
MarylandRestricted
Maryland bans handheld use for all drivers while in motion — hands-free only. Under Md. Transp. 21-1124.2 you may not use your hands to use a handheld phone, except to start or end a call.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
New JerseyRestricted
New Jersey bans handheld use of a wireless phone or other device for all drivers and requires hands-free use instead (N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: nj.gov · Full New Jersey rule →
New YorkRestricted
New York bans handheld phone use and the use of portable electronic devices for all drivers; hands-free is required (NY VTL 1225-c for phones, 1225-d for portable electronic devices).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: nysenate.gov · Full New York rule →
OhioRestricted
Ohio bans holding or using any electronic wireless device for all drivers and requires hands-free use instead. The ban dates from 2023 (O.R.C. 4511.204).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: codes.ohio.gov · Full Ohio rule →
West VirginiaRestricted
West Virginia requires all drivers to go hands-free: you may not physically hold or support a device, and you may not make handheld calls (WV Code 17C-14-15).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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