A new state law that will take effect next year has banned drivers in Pennsylvania from talking on a handheld device while driving, writes Gillian McGoldrick for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

A previous law banned texting while driving, but Pennsylvania was the only state in the region to allow drivers to talk on the phone while behind the wheel.

Under the new law, drivers cannot talk on a handheld phone, text, record video, take pictures, play games, send emails, or use social media. Specifically, the law prohibits the use of any electronic device that has to be held or requires pressing more than one button.

The use of such devices is only allowed in an emergency to contact law enforcement or emergency services.

Drivers are still allowed to use hands-free options, including CarPlay.

Drivers who are found to be using their phone while driving can be fined a $50 summary offense.

The bill was authored by State Sen. Rosemary Brown and recently signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro. However, it will not take effect until June 2025.

The law also includes a reporting requirement for police for all traffic stops to track statistics of whether drivers are being racially profiled. Read more about the new law in the Philadelphia Inquirer.