An 18-year-old McDonald’s customer in Canada was hit with a $425 traffic ticket when he used his phone to redeem a free meal from the drive-thru. The customer, Mason Prima, claimed he was inside his car at the fast food location using the McDonald’s mobile app when he was pulled over by Saskatoon police. Prima believed he could clear things up by showing the officer that he was using the app to order his meal, as he had always used his phone to do so in the past without issue.
Despite Prima’s explanation, he was issued a $425 ticket with demerits placed on his license. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police refuted Prima’s account, stating that he was observed using his phone while driving on a public roadway before entering the McDonald’s parking lot. Local criminal defense lawyer, Brian Pfefferle, highlighted the ambiguity surrounding cell phone use and the law, suggesting that it should not necessarily be illegal to use a phone while in a drive-thru line. Prima plans to fight the ticket in court in July instead of paying the fine.
Prima expressed shock at the incident, stating that he had never encountered any issues when using his phone to order at McDonald’s in the past. He argued that he wasn’t technically “driving” as his car was just “rolling” without him applying the gas or brake. Despite this, he was still fined for using his phone while in a drive-thru area. The traffic violation was issued by a Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan RCMP officer, leading to Prima’s frustration over both the fine and the demerits on his license.
The hefty fine and demerits are significant concerns for Prima, who has only received one speeding ticket since he began driving two and a half years ago. He expressed more worry about the impact on his driving record than the monetary cost of the ticket. Prima’s intention to challenge the ticket in court suggests his commitment to contesting the traffic violation. While he maintained his innocence and insisted that he was not driving during the incident, the outcome of his court appearance remains uncertain.
The case raises questions about the legality of using a phone while in a drive-thru line and the interpretation of traffic laws in such situations. Prima’s contention that he was not actively driving but simply “rolling” while using the mobile app adds complexity to the debate. The local lawyer’s comments underscore the need for clarity on this issue and the potential for different interpretations of the law. Prima’s decision to fight the ticket in court reflects his determination to challenge the traffic violation and seek a fair resolution to the incident.
