Here’s What You Need to Know is the headline making waves across the country. From coast to coast, drivers are waking up to a new era of road safety regulations targeting distracted driving. If you’re the type to sneak in a quick text at a stoplight or scroll through your playlist during rush hour, this law was made with you in mind.
The “Touch Law” is a heartfelt effort to keep everyone safe by stopping handheld electronic device use while driving—even when you’re stopped at a light or in traffic. States like Pennsylvania are leading with compassion through laws like Paul Miller’s Law, signed in June 2025, with over 30 states joining this caring movement.
Whether you’re steering a rental car, a rideshare, or your everyday vehicle, understanding this law helps you avoid fines, prevent crashes, and protect lives. Let’s drive with care for ourselves and others, keeping safety first.
New Traffic Law Called the ‘Touch Law’ Is Costing Drivers
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Name | “Touch Law” (aka Hands-Free Driving Law) |
| Latest State | Pennsylvania (Paul Miller’s Law, effective June 5, 2025) |
| What’s Banned | Touching or holding any handheld electronic device while driving—even when stopped |
| Penalties | Warnings in year 1; $50+ fine and court costs from June 2026 (PA); other states up to $450 |
| Exceptions | Emergency calls, factory-installed hands-free use, single-touch voice controls |
| Why It Matters | Distracted driving caused 3,275+ deaths in 2023 (NHTSA) |
| Where It Applies | 30+ states including CA, NY, IL, GA, TX, PA |
| Official Resource | GHSA State Laws Map |
The Touch Law is a heartfelt part of a growing movement to end distracted driving across America, protecting lives with care. With over 30 states already embracing this compassionate rule—and more set to join—drivers are encouraged to adapt quickly with kindness. The era of casually using phones behind the wheel has gently faded, replaced by a shared commitment to safer roads for everyone.
Stay safe and stay smart: Mount your phone, use voice control, and treat driving with the attention it deserves. Whether you’re headed to the grocery store or on a cross-country road trip, the rule is the same—hands off your phone, eyes on the road.
What Is the “Touch Law”?
The Touch Law is a caring, hands-free driving rule designed to keep everyone safe by preventing drivers from holding or touching any electronic device—like smartphones, GPS units, tablets, or even smartwatches—while behind the wheel. This applies with kindness whether you’re stopped at a stop sign, caught in traffic, or waiting at a red light.
From the moment your vehicle is in drive, whether cruising down the highway or paused in a moment of stillness, this law gently reminds us to focus on the road, protecting lives and fostering safer journeys for all.
Activities that qualify as violations include:
- Dialing a phone number manually
- Reading or sending texts and emails
- Taking photos or videos
- Browsing social media
- Reprogramming GPS directions
If you’re caught holding your device or even tapping it while driving, you’re in violation. In most states, this is a primary offense, which means law enforcement doesn’t need any other reason to pull you over.
Why the Law Was Passed – The Stats Behind the Ban
Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of road fatalities in the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Over 3,275 fatalities occurred in 2023 due to distracted driving.
- An estimated 13% of all vehicle crashes involve phone-related distractions.
- Using a phone while driving increases your crash risk by 400%.
- Every day, nearly 1 in 10 drivers are using their phones behind the wheel.
Even a 5-second glance at a phone while going 55 mph means your eyes are off the road for the length of a football field. That’s enough time for a sudden stop, a pedestrian to cross, or another vehicle to change lanes into your path.
How the Touch Law Works – A Breakdown
What You CAN’T Do:
- Hold your phone in one hand while steering with the other
- Scroll Instagram or TikTok, even when stopped
- Switch between playlists or podcasts by tapping the screen
- Change your GPS destination while in motion
- Tap your smartwatch to check a text
What You CAN Do:
- Use Bluetooth-enabled systems that allow voice-activated commands
- Accept calls through your vehicle’s integrated controls
- Use a dashboard-mounted phone holder for GPS guidance
- Pre-program routes and playlists before starting your car
Tech Tip: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other infotainment systems are designed to minimize distraction—make sure your car supports them.
Real-World Examples and Consequences
Example 1:
You’re waiting in the Starbucks drive-thru line. Your car is in gear, and you pick up your phone to text your coworker. Even though you’re not moving, you’re still technically “driving.” Under the Touch Law, that’s a violation.
Example 2:
You’re using your phone’s map app to navigate. You realize mid-route that you’re going the wrong way and grab your phone to input a new address. Even if it’s in a holder, manually entering new directions while driving is a violation unless you’re using voice input.
Consequences:
- Pennsylvania: Warning phase until June 2026; afterward, expect fines starting at $50 plus court fees.
- New York: Fines up to $450 and license points that impact insurance.
- California: Up to $162 per violation, plus administrative fees.
- Georgia: $50 for first offense, increasing with each repeat offense.
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New Traffic Law Called the ‘Touch Law’ Is Costing Drivers Guide to Stay Legal on the Road
- Invest in a Phone Mount: Dash-mounted holders are cheap and effective.
- Use Driving Mode: Enable “Do Not Disturb While Driving” on your iPhone or Android.
- Preload Your Apps: Queue your playlist or enter your destination before starting the vehicle.
- Master Voice Commands: Practice with Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant while parked.
- Educate Teens and New Drivers: Many states have stricter versions of the law for drivers under 21.
- Consider Smartwatches as Devices: If you use your smartwatch like a phone, it counts.
- Know the Rules in Every State You Visit: Laws vary—what’s allowed in Florida may not be in New York.
How This Law Affects Drivers of All Types
- Teens and New Drivers: Many states apply zero-tolerance policies, meaning no phone interaction at all.
- Commercial and Fleet Drivers: Violations may lead to job loss or commercial driving restrictions.
- Parents with Kids: Modeling safe behavior teaches young passengers the right habits early.
- Frequent Travelers: Know that laws vary; ignorance isn’t a valid defense.
FAQs
Q: Can I hold my phone at a red light if I’m not moving?
A: No. The law defines “driving” as any time the vehicle is in control of the driver—even when stopped.
Q: What if I’m using my phone’s GPS app?
A: It must be pre-programmed or used via voice control. Don’t touch it once you’re moving.
Q: Can I use my Apple Watch?
A: Not for texting or calls while driving. If you raise your wrist to check a message, that’s still considered device use.
Q: What about hands-free phone calls?
A: Calls are fine as long as you’re using a completely hands-free setup—voice commands, steering wheel buttons, or speaker mode only.
Q: Are rideshare drivers exempt?
A: No. In fact, professional drivers often face stricter regulations and stiffer penalties.
