The Lower Swatara Township Police is reminding the public that Paul Miller's Law takes effect on June 5, 2025. The Lower Swatara Township Police Department will immediately begin to enforce this law.  Distracted driving is the leading cause of car crashes in Pennsylvania and the safety of our citizens is our top priority.  Please drive safely and attentively!  The Law is outlined below.

Act 18 0f 2024 (06/05/2024) SB 37. PN 1588, (misc. dates)

Paul Miller’s Law

Paul Miller was 21 years old when he was killed in a vehicle crash on July 5, 2010. Miller’s vehicle was struck head on by a tractor trailer that had crossed the dividing median. The operator of the commercial vehicle was on the telephone at the time he lost control and crossed the median.

In 2023, distracted driving was the leading cause of car crashes in Pennsylvania. Paul Miller’s Law was enacted on June 5, 2024, in response.

The provisions of this law will take effect at staggered dates. Here are the provisions and the corresponding effective dates.

1. - The definition of,” Interactive wireless communications device” will change to “Interactive mobile device” 75 Pa.C.S.A. §102 Definitions. The new definition is broadened to include multiple handheld functions but also creates exceptions allowing the use of GPS, navigation, hands free functionality, affixed mass transit or school bus devices, or devices being used exclusively for emergency notifications.
2. - Requirement for new drivers to receive education and testing from PennDOT on the dangers of distracted driving as well as an addition to the student driver’s manual on distracted driving and the related penalties
3. - 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3316 is amended to reflect “interactive mobile device” language. Texting and driving remains prohibited. However, an exception is added allowing a driver to text and drive if it is necessary to communicate with law enforcement or emergency services to prevent injury to persons or property.

Effective: June 5, 2025 - 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3316.1. Prohibiting use of interactive mobile device, a summary offense is created, making it illegal to use an interactive mobile device while driving a motor vehicle with the exception of communicating with law enforcement or emergency services to prevent injury to persons or property. The section applies to vehicles who are temporarily stopped in the traffic flow due to traffic jams or traffic control devices. (it does not apply to those who have pulled safely out of the flow of traffic). Prohibited behavior includes holding, dialing with more than one button, or reaching in a manner that requires one to become unseated or un-seatbelted.

1. Only warnings may be issued from June 5, 2025, until June 5, 2026.
2. On June 6, 2026, this offense will be punishable by a $50 fine.
3. 3316.1(d) specifically supersedes and preempts any local ordinances.

Effective: June 5, 2025 - Section 3732 (relating to homicide by vehicle) – incorporates (prohibiting use of interactive mobile device) and provides an additional term, not to exceed five years of confinement.

Section 3732.1 (relating to aggravated assault by vehicle) - incorporates (prohibiting use of interactive mobile device) and provides that a driver may be sentenced to an additional term, not to exceed five years of confinement.