Pennsylvania Truck Driver Phone Law
The federal hand-held ban binds you here already (49 CFR 392.82), so a held phone is citable at any inspection regardless of the state warning period. Paul Miller's Law now bars all drivers from using an interactive mobile device (75 Pa.C.S. §3316.1), a primary offense that matches the federal three prongs: holding, dialing more than one button, or reaching. The warning year ended June 5, 2026; violations now carry a $50 fine plus costs. Text-based use has been banned since 2012 (§3316).
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Pennsylvania’s rule for all drivers
The federal hand-held ban binds you here already (49 CFR 392.82), so a held phone is citable at any inspection regardless of the state warning period. Paul Miller's Law now bars all drivers from using an interactive mobile device (75 Pa.C.S. §3316.1), a primary offense that matches the federal three prongs: holding, dialing more than one button, or reaching. The warning year ended June 5, 2026; violations now carry a $50 fine plus costs. Text-based use has been banned since 2012 (§3316).
- Hand-held: Hand-held ban — all drivers
- Texting: Text-based communication banned for all drivers since 2012, primary enforcement (75 Pa.C.S. §3316); now inside the broader handheld ban (§3316.1).
- Fine: $50 fine plus court costs and fees. Full enforcement began June 5, 2026, after a one-year written-warning period.
- Points: No PennDOT points for non-commercial drivers under §3316.1. But a CMV driver's federal 392.82 conviction is a CSA serious violation: 2 in 3 years disqualify your CDL for 60 days.
Pennsylvania Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Pennsylvania?
What is the phone fine in Pennsylvania?
Is texting while driving illegal in Pennsylvania?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=75&div=0&chpt=33&sctn=16&subsctn=1. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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