Navigating Pennsylvania’s
Hands Free Law​

Construction companies across Pennsylvania rely on their fleet vehicles to keep projects moving, materials delivered, and crews on schedule. But with the passing of the Pennsylvania hands free law, also known as Paul Miller’s Law, there’s a new compliance requirement that every fleet manager must take seriously.

This law is designed to improve safety by preventing distracted driving—specifically banning handheld cell phone use while driving. For construction fleet operations, where drivers are constantly moving between job sites, making deliveries, and navigating heavy equipment on public roads, this legislation carries both legal and operational implications.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What the PA hands free law entails
• Why it matters for construction fleet management
• How dash cameras can help enforce compliance, reduce risk, and protect your business

Understanding the Pennsylvania Hands Free Law

The hands free law in Pennsylvania makes it illegal for drivers to hold or use a handheld mobile device while operating a motor vehicle. This includes:

• Talking on the phone without a hands-free device
• Texting or emailing
• Browsing apps or the internet
• Manually entering GPS directions
  
  

Penalties for violating the law may include:

• Fines for each offense
• Points on a driver’s license
• Increased insurance premiums
• Potential legal exposure for employers if violations occur on company time in company vehicles
  
  

For construction companies, fleet compliance isn’t just about avoiding tickets—it’s about protecting employees, reducing liability, and ensuring safe driving practices across your fleet.

Why the Hands Free Law Matters for Construction Fleet Operations

Construction fleet drivers face unique challenges:

• Time-sensitive schedules that may tempt drivers to take calls while moving
• High traffic volumes in urban construction zones
• Large or specialized vehicles that require more focus to operate safely
  
  

When drivers are distracted, the risks are higher—not only for them but also for pedestrians, other drivers, and the company’s reputation. A single distracted driving incident could lead to:

• Serious injury or loss of life
• Costly legal settlements
• Damage to expensive equipment
• Delays in project delivery
  
  

That’s why proactive measures are essential. And this is where dash camera technology plays a major role.

How Dash Cameras Support Hands Free Law Compliance

Dash cameras are no longer just for recording collisions—they’ve evolved into smart fleet management tools that can actively promote compliance with distracted driving laws.

1. Driver Behavior Monitoring

AI-powered dash cameras can detect behaviors associated with distracted driving, such as:

• Holding a phone while driving
• Looking down repeatedly
• Taking hands off the wheel
  
  

When these actions are detected, the system can trigger alerts to both the driver (in real time) and fleet managers for follow-up. This makes it easier to coach drivers on proper compliance with the hands free law.

2. Real-Time Alerts and Coaching

Many dash cams now feature in-cab audio alerts that warn drivers if they’re engaging in unsafe or noncompliant behavior. This real-time coaching helps break habits before they result in violations or accidents.

3. Video Evidence for Disputes

If a driver is wrongly accused of violating the hands free law, dash cam footage can serve as proof that they were compliant. Video telematics can protect both the driver and the company from wrongful penalties.

4. Policy Enforcement

Fleet managers can use dash cam data to enforce zero-tolerance policies for handheld device use. By reviewing footage and tracking incidents, companies can identify repeat offenders and provide targeted training.

Benefits of Dash Cameras Beyond Compliance

While staying compliant with the hands free law is critical, dash cameras offer additional benefits that directly support construction fleet efficiency and safety.

Reduced Accident Risk

By curbing distracted driving behaviors, dash cams help lower accident rates, protecting drivers, vehicles, and project timelines.

Lower Insurance Costs

Many insurance providers offer discounts for fleets equipped with safety technology like dash cams, recognizing their role in reducing claims.

Improved Driver Accountability

Knowing that driving behavior is monitored encourages safer, more responsible driving.

Better Fleet Insights

Dash cameras integrated with telematics can provide route, speed, and idle time data, allowing managers to optimize fleet performance.

Read more about the benefits of dash cams for fleet vehicles.

Implementing Dash Cameras for Hands Free Law Compliance

To successfully integrate dash cameras into your fleet for compliance purposes, consider the following steps:

Step 1: Choose the Right Dash Camera System

Look for features like:

• AI-based distracted driving detection
• Dual-facing cameras (road and driver)
• Real-time alerts
• Built directly within your equipment fleet management software

Step 2: Update Your Driver Policy

Clearly outline expectations for hands-free compliance and dash camera usage. Include:

• No handheld device use while driving
• Consequences for violations
• Privacy guidelines for video review

Step 3: Train Your Drivers

Provide hands-on training to ensure drivers understand both the PA hands free law (or similar in other states) and how the dash cameras function. Emphasize that the goal is safety and protection, not punishment.

Step 4: Monitor and Coach

Use dash cam alerts and recordings to provide constructive feedback. Recognize drivers who consistently follow safety protocols.

The Bottom Line: Safety and Compliance Go Hand in Hand

The Pennsylvania hands free law is more than a legal requirement—it’s a step toward safer roads for everyone. And it’s likely that other states will begin to follow suit.

For construction companies, it’s also a chance to strengthen fleet safety culture, reduce liability, protect both drivers and the public, and stay ahead of compliance requirements in the United States.

By investing in dash camera technology, construction fleet managers can:

• Detect and deter distracted driving
• Provide real-time coaching to drivers
• Document compliance and defend against false claims
• Improve operational safety and efficiency

Ready to Protect Your Fleet and Stay Compliant?

Tenna offers advanced AI dash camera solutions designed specifically for construction fleet operations. Our technology helps you comply with the hands free laws, improve driver safety, and gain valuable insights into your fleet’s performance—all in one platform.