TROY, Pa. (WETM) -- A new law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania geared towards addressing distracted driving now makes it illegal for people to use their cell phones while driving.

The law was signed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on June 5, 2024, and took effect on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The first year of the new law will involve issuing written warnings only, with penalties starting on June 5, 2026.

Anybody caught driving while using their phones will be subjected to a $50 fine. If a person causes a crash or hurts someone while they're driving and using a phone, they can face up to five years in prison.

"I do think it's going to help with the safe driving distracted driving, especially with our teen drivers that don't have the experience of driving as much as an older adult

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