Pennsylvania's hands-free driving law took effect last June. However for licensed amateur radio operators, there's an important carve-out: your radio is explicitly exempt.
Senate Bill 37, also known as Paul Miller's Law, was signed by Governor Josh Shapiro to reduce distracted driving and carries a fine for violations. The law's definition of prohibited devices specifically does not include "a mobile or handheld radio being used by a person with an amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission." That means both your mobile rig and your HT are covered.
This didn't happen by accident. ARRL Atlantic Division Director Bob Famiglio, K3RF, successfully advocated for the exemption after it was stripped from the bill just before a key vote. ARRL members across the state rallied, contacting their legislators to explain the vital role licensed operators play and their efforts made the difference.
As always, common sense applies when engaged in driving.
