Beginning this Thursday, drivers will be prohibited from using handheld devices while operating a vehicle in Pennsylvania. Act 18 of 2024 will prohibit holding a cell phone while driving, with limited exceptions. The law clearly states that drivers cannot use email, play games, take or transmit images, record or broadcast videos, create or share social media or otherwise send or receive electronic data. For the first year, police may only issue warnings with $50 fines taking effect in June 2026.  

There are limited exceptions to the ban, several of which may apply to township employees and emergency responders. Note that most of the exceptions in the definition of interactive mobile device. These exceptions include:  

• devices being used in a hands-free manner or with a hands-free accessory or system;  
• a device used exclusively for emergency notification purposes;  
• a device being used exclusively by an emergency service responder while engaged in the performance of duties;  
• devices being used exclusively by a CDL driver within the scope of the individual’s employment if using a device permitted for CDL drivers under federal law; and 
• texting while driving if necessary to communicate with law enforcement or emergency services to prevent injury to persons or property. 

Act 18 defines driving as operating a motor vehicle on a road, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device or other momentary delay. Drivers who move their vehicle to the side of the road and stop are not considered to be driving.  

The act defines operating an interactive mobile device to include: 

• Using a hand or another part of the body to support an interactive mobile device; 
• Dialing or answering by pressing more than a single button; and 
• Reaching for an interactive mobile device in a manner that requires a driver to no longer be in a seated driver position.  

Township officials should review current policies for employees and emergency responders in light of the implementation of the new law. 

Click here to view Act 18. Click here to view an article from PennDOT about the new law.