Pennsylvania to Ban Handling Cell Phones While Driving in Effort to Reduce Accidents

In a move to combat distracted driving accidents, Pennsylvania is set to enforce a new law prohibiting motorists from using their cell phones for any purpose while driving. The bill, which is anticipated to be signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro in the coming days, marks the culmination of an 18-year effort since its initial introduction in the state House of Representatives by Gov. Shapiro.

Additionally, the new legislation includes a provision advocated by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus to address racial profiling concerns. This provision mandates the collection and public reporting of data on traffic stops, including the driver's race, by larger police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police. The enactment of this ban will bring Pennsylvania in line with the cell phone use laws for motorists observed in all of its neighboring states. Unlike the previous restriction, which only applied to texting, the new ban extends to handling cell phones for any purpose while driving.

Exceptions and Penalties Under the New Law

Under the new law, drivers are permitted to use their phones for functions like making calls or navigation if used hands-free with technology such as a docking station, Bluetooth, or speakers. However, using a phone while in traffic or stopped at a traffic light will be considered a violation, except in cases of emergency alerts or navigational use. Violators of the ban will face a $50 fine for a first offense, while those causing serious accidents could potentially receive prison sentences. The ban does not apply to drivers parked in a safe location.

Sen. Rosemary Brown, who had long advocated for stricter cell phone use restrictions, deemed the bill's passage a significant victory that will safeguard drivers, prevent accidents, and save lives. Governor Shapiro described the new law as a "common sense" measure to address the tragic consequences of distracted driving.

Impact on Traffic Accidents and Law Enforcement Accountability

The implementation of this ban is expected to contribute to a further reduction in distracted driving-related accidents and fatalities, building on the decline observed over the past decade. Moreover, the mandate for collecting and reporting traffic stop data is seen as a critical step in promoting transparency and fostering trust between law enforcement agencies and the community.

With the new law, uniformity in the methods of data collection will be ensured across different police departments, unlike the varied approaches currently practiced. This standardization is aimed at enhancing accountability and addressing any disparities in law enforcement practices.

Enhanced Data Reporting Requirements

Under the forthcoming law, police departments will be required to report details like the reason for the traffic stop, search outcomes, and the demographic information of the driver involved. However, police forces serving smaller municipalities with populations under 5,000 will be exempt from this reporting requirement.

The new data collection mandate is expected to take effect in a year and a half, following which drivers will receive a grace period of one year, during which they will only receive written warnings for violating the cell phone handling ban.