An 18-year-old named Mason Prima claimed he was fined $580 for using the McDonald’s app at a drive-thru in Saskatoon, Canada. Prima stated that he was trying to redeem a free meal using points through the app when he was approached by a police officer on a motorcycle. The officer issued him a ticket for using his phone while driving on a public roadway, even though Prima insists he was only using it in the drive-thru lane. Prima said he was surprised by the fine, as he had never encountered any issues using the app at drive-thrus before.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Saskatchewan confirmed that Prima was fined for using his phone while driving on a public roadway, rather than in the drive-thru lane. The police spokesperson, Keely Grasser, stated that Prima received a traffic violation in the McDonald’s parking lot after allegedly using his cell phone while on a public road. Prima disputed the ticket and has decided to fight it in court, with his court date scheduled for July 31. The fine for distracted driving in Saskatchewan is $580 for the first offense, along with four demerit points, increasing to $1,400 and $2,100 for subsequent offenses.
In comparison, distracted driving fines in the United States for texting while driving can range from $25 for first-time violations to over $1,000 for subsequent offenses, depending on the severity. Canadian laws regarding distracted driving are strict, with significant fines and demerit points imposed for violations. Prima’s case highlights the importance of following laws and regulations while driving, as well as the potential consequences of using electronic devices behind the wheel. Despite the dispute between Prima and the police, he remains determined to challenge the ticket in court and defend his actions.
Prima stated that he was shocked by the fine, as he had only received one speeding ticket in his two and a half years of driving. He emphasized that he always keeps his phone out of reach while driving to avoid distractions and ensure safety on the road. Prima expressed his surprise at being fined for using the McDonald’s app at the drive-thru, as he had never encountered any issues with doing so in the past. He described the incident as an expensive lunch, highlighting the unexpected consequences of his actions that day at the fast-food restaurant.
The controversy surrounding Prima’s fine at the McDonald’s drive-thru sheds light on the complexities of distracted driving laws in Canada and the potential consequences for violating them. The conflicting accounts between Prima and the police regarding the circumstances of the ticket further complicate the situation. Prima’s decision to challenge the ticket in court reflects his belief that he was unjustly fined for using the app at the drive-thru. As the case unfolds, it underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to traffic laws to avoid fines and penalties while driving on public roadways.
