The expression “time flies” is familiar to most people.

However, time cannot “fly” fast enough regarding Pennsylvania’s new handheld-cellphone ban for individuals operating motor vehicles on commonwealth roadways.

Until the full teeth of the law replaces the wishy-washy provisions currently in place, innocent drivers or vehicle passengers could die or be maimed — just because only a warning will be issued now, rather than a monetary penalty from violators’ wallets or pocketbooks.

The possibility of a fine, rather than a warning, could deter some drivers from risking use of their phones when they should be devoting full attention to driving’s responsibilities.

Talking on a phone while driving is bad enough; some drivers’ penchant for texting while driving multiplies accident risks.

All vehicle insurance policies ought to include provisions for a stiff premium surcharge for motorists ticketed for such a violation.

That possibility might “wake up” many more drivers to the reality that it is better to be safe — pull off the road to make or receive a call, or send a text message — than sorry, by having to pay a fine and an additional fee in regard to their vehicle insurance.

What about out-of-state motorists unfamiliar with the Keystone State law? Follow neighboring Maryland’s posting of a warning against handheld device use on all major entranceways to this state.

Now, about Pennsylvania’s wishy-washy cellphone rules, which should have given way to the full effect of the new law more than a decade ago, rather than just be facing the prospect of getting serious in 2026:

It is the Pennsylvania General Assembly that must shoulder the blame for taking so long to produce a measure whose need seemed obvious to most state residents for a long time. There are commonwealth residents who deduce that the reason for the procrastination must have been lawmakers’ penchant for engaging in the practice/practices that the new law forbids.

Whatever all the reasons might be, they chose not to give up the “freedom” in question, no matter how dangerous that might be.

Then, last year, they enacted a law containing a troubling loophole that provides an excessively long “courtesy” period for fines to be on the sidelines, also real deterrence to make travel on state highways safer.

“For the first 12 months, police will be issuing warnings,’ an article in our sister newspaper, the Altoona Mirror observed. “Police will begin issuing tickets on June 5, 2026, according to the Department of Transportation.”

Waiting until June 2026 is troubling — and wishy-washy, from a safety perspective.

Working to eliminate a hazard is an immediate responsibility, nothing less.

As a matter of fact, by the end of 2026, the General Assembly should begin a review of the size of the fine to determine if it is having the desired effect.

Keep in mind that “time flies.”