700 cited, fined by state police for cellphone use while driving

Hands-free cellphone remains legal in Pennsylvania.

By RENATTA SIGNORINI
TribLive

State troopers issued nearly 700 citations for violations of a new law that prohibits Pennsylvania drivers from holding their cellphones while on the road.

The citations, which carry a $50 fine plus court costs and fees, were written under Paul Miller’s Law.

Statistics released by the agency from Operation Hands Off, conducted over three days last week, showed that troopers also warned around 300 drivers about the offense.

Paul Miller’s Law was signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro last year but allowed for a yearlong grace period where police could only warn drivers. That ended on June 5, when police were able to start writing citations for anyone they catch holding an electronic device while behind the wheel, even at red lights or during traffic stoppages.

Hands-free cellphone use remains legal. The only exception is drivers calling for emergency help, such as at a crash scene.

The law is named for Miller, a 21-year-old Scranton native killed by a distracted tractor-trailer driver in 2010 after a head-on crash in Monroe County.

During Operation Hands Off, troopers statewide issued 6,000 other traffic citations and made 98 DUI arrests, according to statistics.