Pennsylvania’s Texting-While-Driving Ban
The law prohibits as a primary offense any driver from using an interactive mobile device to send, read or write a text-based communication while his or her vehicle is in motion.
The law:
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Defines an interactive mobile device as a handheld wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, portable or mobile computer or similar device which can be used for voice communication, texting, emailing, browsing the Internet, instant messaging, playing games, taking or transmitting images, recording or broadcasting videos, creating or sharing social media or otherwise sending or receiving electronic data.
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Defines a text-based communication as a text message, instant message, email or other written communication composed or received on an interactive mobile device.
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Makes clear that this law supersedes and preempts any local ordinances restricting the use of interactive wireless devices by drivers.
Penalties Under this Law:
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The penalty is a summary offense with a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.
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The violation carries no points as a penalty and will not be recorded on the driver record for non-commercial drivers. It will be recorded on commercial drivers’ records as a non-sanction violation.
The texting ban does NOT include the use of a GPS device, a system or device that is physically or electronically integrated into the vehicle, or a communications device that is affixed to a mass transit vehicle, bus or school bus. The law does not authorize the seizure of an interactive wireless device.
For more information on distracted driving, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov.Safety