The Enhanced Driver Responsibility law was officially signed yesterday by Governor Josh Shapiro. The bipartisan agreement will see stiffer penalties for being caught using a handheld electronic device while driving.
Previous laws saw penalties only for texting while driving but now the use of any handheld electronic will see a $100 fine, increases the fine for texting while driving to $100, and a five-year optional sentence enhancement for those guilty of homicide by vehicle.
The law also requires parents or guardians to certify they have shown their children the dangers of distracted driving when the children are getting their license.
The law will take effect in 60 days but law enforcement will hand out warnings for the first six months before enforcing penalties.
