Touch Law, also known as the No-Touch Law, makes it illegal for drivers to handle a handheld mobile device while operating a vehicle—even when the vehicle is stopped at a red light or in traffic. Since its rollout, tens of thousands of drivers have received fines during routine traffic stops. Whether you drive daily, manage a fleet, or work in public safety, here is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide to what the law means, why it matters, and how to comply.
Why This Matters and Background
In June 2025, Pennsylvania enacted Paul Miller’s Law, named in memory of Paul Miller Jr., a 21-year-old who died when a distracted truck driver reached for his phone and crossed lanes. The law classifies handheld device use as a primary offense at any time the car is under driver control, whether moving or stationary. Pennsylvania joined 30 other states and the District of Columbia in adopting similar rules.
Legislators designed Touch Law to address the alarming rise in distracted-driving crashes and fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving contributed to 3,275 deaths in 2023, up from 3,142 in 2022. The economic cost of distraction-related crashes exceeded $98 billion in 2019, including medical expenses, lost productivity, and property damage.
Touch Law’ Takes Effect
| Key Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Law Name | Paul Miller’s Law (PA) |
| States Affected | 31 states + District of Columbia |
| Effective Dates (PA) | June 5 2025 (warning phase), June 5 2026 (fines begin) |
| Initial Penalty (PA) | Written warning until June 5 2026; $50 fine plus court costs afterward |
| National Distracted Deaths | 3,275 fatalities in 2023 |
| Economic Cost | $98 billion in distraction-related costs (2019) |
| Employer Cost | Approximately $60 billion per year in work-related crash costs |
| Exceptions | Emergency calls (911), hands-free use, single-button interactions |
| Enforcement Level | Primary offense (officer may stop a vehicle solely for this violation) |
Touch Law represents a significant shift in traffic safety enforcement by banning all handheld device use behind the wheel, even when stopped. With thousands of lives lost each year and billions of dollars in economic costs, these laws aim to reduce distraction-related crashes. Drivers must embrace hands-free technologies, pull over to handle devices, and stay informed about evolving state regulations. Businesses should adopt strict policies, equip vehicles properly, and monitor compliance. By making these changes now, we can improve road safety and protect lives.
What Is the “Touch Law”?
Touch Law bans any handling of a handheld electronic device while operating a vehicle. This includes:
- Holding a smartphone or tablet in your hand
- Reaching for or manipulating a device to call, text, or navigate
- Swiping, tapping, or scrolling on the screen
- Dialing or answering calls with more than one button press
- Watching videos, browsing social media apps, or engaging in any interactive function
The law does not prohibit the use of single-button actions for hands-free communication. Devices mounted securely on the dashboard that accept a one-touch answer or voice-activated controls remain legal.
The Legislative Journey
The first distracted-driving bans appeared in the early 2000s, with states like New York prohibiting text messaging for all drivers and handheld phone calls for novice drivers. In 2013, the federal government issued guidelines recommending all states adopt comprehensive hands-free laws. Between 2014 and 2020, 23 states passed primary enforcement statutes for handheld device use. By 2025, as technology—and phone penetration—continued to increase, law-makers saw the need to remove any ambiguity at traffic stops, leading to the no-touch-at-red-light rules.
Key milestones include:
- 2001: New York bans novice drivers from handheld devices.
- 2010: Fairfax County, Virginia, enforces the first primary handheld phone ban.
- 2013: USDOT issues distracted-driving guidelines.
- 2017: 20 states adopt primary enforcement laws.
- 2025: Pennsylvania passes Paul Miller’s Law extending prohibitions to stopped vehicles.
Detailed Data and Trends
- In 2019, distraction-involved crashes caused 10,546 deaths and 1.3 million injuries, with direct economic losses of $98.2 billion and total societal costs estimated at $340 billion.
- The single-largest category of distraction is visual-manual tasks, such as dialing or reading texts.
- Texting while driving increases crash risk by 23 times; using a hand-held phone is more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol at the legal limit.
- Employer-related crashes (on- and off-duty, work-related tasks) impose $60 billion annually in costs, including medical care, legal fees, and productivity losses.
- Surveys indicate that 60 percent of drivers believe hands-free devices are safe, yet crash data show cognitive distractions remain a major factor even with voice control.
How Enforcement Works
Because Touch Law is a primary enforcement statute, an officer can pull you over solely for a suspected violation. Enforcement practices vary by state:
- Pennsylvania: Warning phase from June 5, 2025 to June 4, 2026. After that, first offense is $50 plus court costs; second offense within two years increases penalties.
- New York: Fines start at $50; repeat offenses within 18 months can cost up to $200 plus license points.
- Illinois: $75 fine for first offense; up to $150 for repeat violations.
- Missouri: Under the “Siddens-Benning Act,” fines can reach $500, with possible license suspension for repeated offenses.
Many states also add points to driver’s licenses, leading to higher insurance premiums. Commercial drivers (CDL holders) may face additional federal penalties under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
Practical Guide: Staying Compliant and Safe
- Adopt Hands-Free Solutions
- Use your vehicle’s Bluetooth or an aftermarket kit.
- Embrace voice assistants (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant) for calls, texts, and navigation.
- Install Android Auto or Apple CarPlay to centralize functions.
- Plan Ahead
- Enter destinations before you start driving or pull over to update your route.
- Review messages in a safe location rather than at a traffic light.
- Use Secure Mounts
- Dashboard or windshield mounts keep devices visible without handling.
- Ensure mounts do not obstruct your view of the road.
- Know Your State’s Rules
- Check your state Department of Transportation or DMV website for exact statutes.
- Be aware of exceptions (emergency calls, single-button interactions).
- Teach Teen Drivers
- Model safe behavior; hands-free first.
- Emphasize the legal consequences and life-or-death stakes.
- Pull Over When in Doubt
- If you must type, scroll, or perform multi-step actions, stop in a parking lot or pull safely to the side of the road.
Business and Fleet Management Recommendations
Companies operating vehicle fleets face a dual incentive: improving safety and reducing costs. Here are best practices:
- Policy Development
Create a clear, written mobile-device policy banning handheld use. Distribute it to all drivers and require signed acknowledgement. - Vehicle Equipment
Provide company vehicles with approved hands-free kits and sturdy phone mounts. Ensure these accessories are installed correctly. - Driver Training
Conduct regular safety training that covers the latest state laws, hands-free technology use, and the risks of distraction. - Monitoring and Accountability
Implement telematics systems that track mobile-device usage and driver behavior. Use video telematics or event-based cameras to review incidents. - Disciplinary Measures
Define consequences for violations, up to suspension of driving privileges or termination for repeated infractions. - Legal and Insurance Review
Consult with legal and insurance teams to understand liability exposures. Adjust insurance policies to account for the new risk profile.
Real-World Case Studies
Case Study 1: Illinois Delivery Fleet
A regional food delivery service equipped its 25-vehicle fleet with dashboard mounts and held monthly refresher sessions on hands-free operation. Within six months, distracted-driving incidents dropped by 40 percent. The company saved an estimated $150,000 in potential claims and reduced driver turnover by improving safety culture.
Case Study 2: Statewide Law Rollout in Massachusetts
When Massachusetts extended its handheld ban to include stopped vehicles, the state DOT launched a public awareness campaign. Police issued 5,000 warnings during the first three months, then began levying fines. Crash data over the next year showed a 7 percent reduction in rear-end collisions at intersections.
USA Settlement Loan’s New Site Makes Lawsuit Funding Easier Than Ever—Check Your State Now!
IRS Refund Delays and Stimulus Rumors Swirl—What Americans Should Know for 2025
Social Security and the Middle Class: The Real Numbers Behind Retirement Income in America
Future Trends and Emerging Technologies
- Automated Driving Aids: As vehicles gain more autonomous features, the need for manual interaction may decrease. However, until full autonomy is common, driver attention is critical.
- In-Vehicle Voice Interfaces: Next-generation voice systems aim to reduce cognitive load and minimize distraction further.
- Augmented Reality Heads-Up Displays (AR HUDs): AR HUDs present navigation and call information in the driver’s line of sight, reducing the need to glance down.
- Legislative Updates: Several states currently considering expanding distracted-driving laws to include cognitive distractions, such as interacting with in-car infotainment screens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use my phone at a red light?
No. The law prohibits handling a device anytime the car is under driver control. Wait until you are parked legally.
Q2: Are voice commands allowed?
Yes. Voice-activated systems and single-button interactions are permitted.
Q3: What if I need to call 911?
Emergency calls are an exception. You may handle the device to place an emergency call.
Q4: Do passengers count?
No. Only the driver is subject to the handheld ban. Passengers may use devices freely.
Q5: Will insurance companies increase my rates?
Possibly. Traffic violations typically lead to higher premiums, and distracted-driving tickets can follow suit.
