Narberth police begin public education on new handheld-device driving ban; citations slated for next year

Police Chief said Narberth police have begun public education about a new state law that bans drivers from using handheld electronic devices. The chief told the Police Advisory Committee the law took effect June 5 and the department will use a six-month warning period before issuing citations next year.

The chief said the law "prohibits any handheld electronic devices" and described the department’s enforcement approach as phased: officers will first stop motorists to warn them, then begin citing violations after the grace period ends. The chief also described permitted uses, saying drivers may still use hands-free connections and emergency calls to 911.

Committee members discussed practical questions, including whether smartwatch voice commands or in-car GPS adjustments are allowed. The chief summarized the department’s interpretation: the law targets handheld use; voice commands and fully integrated in-car systems are generally acceptable, but existing vehicle-code offenses for actions that obstruct safe driving can still apply if a driver’s use of a device creates an unsafe condition.

The committee discussed messaging options and asked staff to continue public outreach. Rebecca (staff member) said the police will spread the message to the community and combine it with other summer-safety messaging because more children will be at parks and on streets during the summer months.

The committee did not take a formal vote on enforcement policy; members were told the department’s current plan is to continue warnings for the remainder of the six-month grace period and begin issuing citations the following year.