How to Fight a Distracted Driving Ticket in Pennsylvania
If you got a distracted driving ticket in Pennsylvania, you can usually pay it, contest it in court, or pursue a dismissal/mitigation option. Texting while driving under § 3316: $50 fine.
How to fight a distracted driving ticket in Pennsylvania, step by step
Decide how to plead
Pleading not guilty preserves your right to contest the distracted driving charge in Pennsylvania and review the evidence against you.
Request the evidence in your case
Ask the court for the officer's notes and any photos, device records, or calibration logs relied on to issue your distracted driving citation — you have a right to review what the case against you is built on.
Know exactly what you're contesting
Texting while driving under § 3316: $50 fine.
Show up prepared
Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring your documents plus a short, factual statement of your side.
Prepare for your Pennsylvania court date — free
Get a guided prep chat for your exact violation, then a court-ready mock script you can rehearse.
Start my free court prep →Pennsylvania Distracted Driving ticket — frequently asked questions
Is Pennsylvania a hands-free state?
Yes. Pennsylvania enacted 'Paul Miller's Law' (75 Pa.C.S. § 3316.1, effective June 5, 2025), which prohibits holding or using any interactive mobile device while operating a motor vehicle — including while stopped at red lights or in traffic. Hands-free use (Bluetooth, earpiece, mounted device, vehicle-integrated systems) is permitted. Source: 75 Pa.C.S. § 3316.1; pa.gov/agencies/penndot.
What is prohibited under Pennsylvania's distracted driving law?
Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3316.1 (Paul Miller's Law), drivers may not hold or use any interactive mobile device while driving, including calls, texts, email, social media, browsing, photography, or video. The original texting ban (§ 3316, enacted 2012) is still in effect and prohibits composing, sending, or reading text-based communications specifically. Both laws apply simultaneously.
What are the fines for distracted driving in Pennsylvania?
Texting while driving under § 3316: $50 fine. Paul Miller's Law (§ 3316.1): $50 fine plus court costs and administrative fees. Important: from June 5, 2025 through June 5, 2026, Pennsylvania officers issue only WRITTEN WARNINGS for § 3316.1 violations — no fines are collected during the one-year warning period. Fines become enforceable June 6, 2026. Source: pa.gov/agencies/penndot; 75 Pa.C.S. § 3316.1.
Does a distracted driving ticket add points in Pennsylvania?
Distracted driving violations under both § 3316 and § 3316.1 carry ZERO points for non-CDL drivers and are not recorded on the standard driving record. Source: 75 Pa.C.S. § 1535.
When do Pennsylvania's new hands-free law fines start?
Yes. Pennsylvania enacted 'Paul Miller's Law' (75 Pa.C.S. § 3316.1, effective June 5, 2025), which prohibits holding or using any interactive mobile device while operating a motor vehicle — including while stopped at red lights or in traffic. Hands-free use (Bluetooth, earpiece, mounted device, vehicle-integrated systems) is permitted. Source: 75 Pa.C.S. § 3316.1; pa.gov/agencies/penndot.
Are there stricter rules for CDL drivers in Pennsylvania?
For CDL holders, handheld phone use and texting while driving are classified as 'serious traffic offenses' under federal FMCSA rules. Two serious traffic offenses within 3 years = 60-day CDL disqualification; three = 120-day disqualification. CDL drivers face significantly higher stakes than non-commercial drivers.
Zigpon is an educational self-help guide, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; verify details with your court or a licensed attorney before acting.