What the Viral “No Touch Law” Means for You as a Driver this Summer

Written by: Dalal Kurmlavage

There has been a recent social media surge warning of “No Touch Laws.” No touch laws are not new. However, Pennsylvania is one of the latest states to enact a version of a no touch law banning phone and handheld device usage while driving starting this summer.

There have certainly been blurred lines when it comes to cellphone usage in a car. Now, the No Touch Law in Pennsylvania makes it illegal to hold an “interactive mobile device,” such as a cellphone, while driving. This includes texting, scrolling, holding, or even resting the device on your lap.

Effective Date and Explanation

The “No Touch” law, also known as Paul Miller’s Law, recently became effective in Pennsylvania on June 5, 2025. Senate Bill 37, known as Paul Miller’s Law, is named after Paul Miller who was tragically killed in a tractor-trailer collision by a distracted driver in 2010.

This new law prohibits drivers from using handheld devices, mainly phones, while driving or stopped in traffic. The purpose of the law is to prevent distracted driving.

According to PennDOT’s annual crash information report, distracted driving was the leading cause of car crashes in Pennsylvania in 2023. There were more than 11,262 distracted driving crashes in 2023, compared to 8,330 alcohol-related crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving killed more than 3,200 people in the United States in 2023.

Enforcement

The law will be enforced by police who can pull drivers over if they see the driver merely holding a phone.

Pennsylvania has had a law that bans texting while driving. However, the new legislation reinforces that enforcement by prohibiting any handheld mobile or electronic device use behind the wheel. It is now a primary offense for a driver to hold or use an interactive mobile device while driving a motor vehicle. The use, i.e. texting, does not matter. This includes when a motor vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, i.e. being stopped at a red light.

For the first 12 months, effective June 5, 2025, the penalty for violating the law will be a written warning. Beginning next year, June 5, 2026, a $50 fine and associated court costs and fees will be applied. The fine could go up to $450 depending on the state. Additionally, if a driver’s device usage while driving resulted in a homicide, they could face an extra five years added to their prison sentence.

Exceptions

• Contacting emergency services if necessary

• Using hands free technology such as Bluetooth/voice assist, GPS systems, or other integrated systems built into a vehicle

• Using related communication devices that assist drivers operating a mass transit vehicles such as school buses or city buses

• Being pulled over or parked

Eliminate Distractions

The law aims to eliminate distracted driving caused by handheld devices. The following are ways to prevent such distractions:

• Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” / “Driving Mode”

• Put your phone in a safe place, like a purse or glove compartment to avoid reaching for it

• Pull over or park to use your phone

• Give your phone to a passenger to complete any phone-related tasks

Effects on Other States

The law is specific to Pennsylvania, but there are parallel “no touch” or hands-free laws already in place in 30 other states.

List of states with no touch or related driving law:

• Alabama

• Arizona

• California

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• Delaware

• Georgia

• Hawaii

• Idaho

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Iowa

• Maine

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• Missouri

• Nevada

• New Hampshire

• New Jersey

• New York

• Ohio

• Oregon

• Pennsylvania

• Rhode Island

• Tennessee

• Vermont

• Virginia

• Washington

• West Virginia

Ending Distracted Driving

As we head into the busy summer travel season, it’s important than ever for drivers in Pennsylvania—and across the country—to be aware of laws aimed at keeping roads safe. The new “No Touch” law is a clear reminder that distracted driving can have deadly consequences and that even a moment of inattention can change lives forever. By understanding the law, following its guidelines, and making smart choices behind the wheel, drivers can do their part to prevent accidents and save lives. Stay informed, stay hands-free, and stay safe on the road this summer.