New Pennsylvania Law Prohibits Handling Cell Phones While Driving

Pennsylvania joins other states in banning cell phone use while driving to reduce distracted driving incidents. Governor Shapiro is set to sign the bill, which will take effect one year from signing.

Distracted driving remains a severe issue among motorists, with some drivers prioritizing TikTok videos, texts, or mobile games over road safety. To address this, Pennsylvania is enacting a ban on all handling of cell phones while driving, joining other states in combating this safety hazard.

When drivers focus on their smartphones instead of the road, they endanger themselves and others, as a 4,000-pound SUV can become a lethal weapon in inattentive hands. To reduce injuries, deaths, and property damage resulting from cell phone use behind the wheel, many states have adopted zero-tolerance policies on texting and driving. Pennsylvania is the latest to implement such a policy.

As reported by WJAC 6, Pennsylvania’s new legislation prohibits handling cell phones while driving. However, it allows for hands-free technology and integrated infotainment systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for making calls or using voice commands.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s office confirmed his intention to sign the bill, marking a significant step nearly two decades after he first proposed similar legislation. The law will take effect one year from its signing.

Pennsylvania follows in the footsteps of 28 other states that have enacted bans on handling cell phones while driving, ranging from prohibiting calls to banning texting.

This legislation is crucial, as distracted driving is a major cause of crashes, surpassing even alcohol use and tailgating, according to the Insurance Journal. Lawmakers target distracted driving and cell phone use behind the wheel to enhance road safety, emphasizing that such laws are necessary to enforce what should be common sense.