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PA Distracted Driving Laws and Your Rights

PA Distracted Driving Laws and Your Rights

We at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers are dedicated to obtaining justice for victims injured in distracted driving crashes. In addition to holding responsible parties accountable for their careless driving, we seek compensation for victims’ medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

In Pennsylvania, certain driver distractions behind the wheel are illegal. Below is a breakdown of the state laws on distracted driving and the actions they prohibit.

Pennsylvania Bans Texting While Driving

Pennsylvania law prohibits drivers from using an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to send, read or write a text-based communication while the vehicle is in motion. An IWCD is any wireless device that provides voice or data communication between people. These devices include things such as:

  • Smartphones
  • Cell phones
  • Text messaging devices
  • Personal digital assistants with messaging
  • Audio-video players with messaging
  • Laptops

Texting while driving could result in a $50 fine plus court costs and fees. Drivers of non-commercial vehicles will not receive points on their license as a penalty. However, a texting and driving conviction will go on a commercial driver’s record.

What PA Distracted Driving Laws Do Not Cover

Pennsylvania’s texting ban does not include use of GPS devices. The law also excludes the use of systems and devices that are part of a vehicle.

PA distracted driving laws also do not cover other distractions behind the wheel. A distraction is anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and/or attention away from driving.

Protect Your Rights if You Were Injured

Distracted drivers kill and injure thousands of people every year. One second of inattention while driving is enough to cause a motor vehicle crash and seriously hurt people. While Pennsylvania law bans texting while driving, distracted drivers who injure others must take responsibility for their carelessness.

Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers holds negligent motorists accountable when their distracted behavior hurts others. If you sustained injuries or a loved one died as a result of a Pennsylvania distracted driver, we can help. Contact the car accident lawyers at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss seeking justice.