New bill would expand Pennsylvania’s distracted driving law
Experts say distractions on the roads are endless these days, especially when it comes to cell phones, so a new law would crack down on what you can and can’t do with them while driving.
Senate Bill 37, if signed, would go beyond existing state law prohibiting texting while driving by also prohibiting most uses of an interactive mobile device, with a few exceptions. It would ban drivers from engaging with their phones.
It does allow you to use your phone to notify first responders in emergencies, and it does not apply to devices being used solely for navigation.
Channel 11 recently spoke with law enforcement officers, who said the dangers from mobile devices go well beyond texting. Some drivers are even watching movies and scrolling on social media.
PennLive says if you are pulled over in violation of the new law, you could get fined $50. However, for the first 12 months the law is in place, only a written warning would be issued.
The legislation will now go to the Senate before it heads to Gov. Shapiro’s desk.
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