You might want to think twice before picking up your phone at a red light. A sweeping new hands-free driving regulation — dubbed the “Touch Law” — is now in effect across 31 U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, which officially adopted the rule on June 5, 2025.
The law makes it illegal to physically touch any electronic device while driving, including while stopped at intersections or in traffic. That means no swiping, no holding, and no tapping — unless you’re using voice commands or a mounted hands-free system.
What the Law Covers
- Holding or touching phones, tablets, or smart devices while driving — including at stop signs and red lights
- Manual texting, scrolling, GPS input, or app use
- Taking or making calls without a hands-free device
What Is Allowed
- Voice-activated commands and Bluetooth systems
- Emergency calls
- Device use while legally parked off the road
The 31 States Now Enforcing “No-Touch” Driving Laws
- Arizona
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Plus
- District of Columbia
- Puerto Rico
- Guam
- Northern Mariana Islands
- U.S. Virgin Islands
What Happens If You Break this Law?
In Pennsylvania, drivers will receive only warnings for the first year. But starting June 5, 2026, violators will be fined $50 plus court costs for using a handheld device behind the wheel — even if the car is stopped.
In other states, fines vary but can reach up to $450, especially for repeat offenders.
And here’s the serious part: if distracted driving results in a death, criminal charges could follow — including up to five years in prison in Pennsylvania.
Bottom Line
No phone is worth the ticket — or the risk. With hands-free tech more accessible than ever, the message is simple: mount it, mute it, or park it.
