A driver in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, recently found himself in hot water after receiving a ticket for using his phone in a McDonald’s drive-thru. Mason Prima shared the unusual incident with CTV News, explaining that he had pulled into the drive-thru to redeem a code on the McDonald’s app for a free meal. However, an officer on a motorcycle spotted Prima using his phone and approached his vehicle.
Prima recounted showing the officer that he was simply using the app to claim his free meal code, expecting to be let off with a warning. To his surprise, he was instead issued a ticket, leading to what he described as a “very expensive lunch.”
Contrary to Prima's account, the Saskatchewan RCMP provided a different perspective. According to them, a Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan RCMP officer stopped Prima for using a cellphone while driving on a public roadway. The ticket was reportedly issued to Prima after he had entered the McDonald’s parking lot, as opposed to while he was actively driving through the drive-thru.
The incident raises questions about the legality of using phones in drive-thrus, as the rules surrounding distracted driving can be viewed differently in such scenarios. While safety should always be a top priority on the road, the slow pace of drive-thrus and their private property status present a grey area for enforcement.
Given that many fast-food chains promote their mobile apps for rewards and discounts, it is essential to clarify the rules regarding phone usage in drive-thrus. In light of Prima's situation, there may be a need for clear guidelines to prevent drivers from inadvertently breaking the law while trying to access promotions or benefits through these apps.
Despite the ticket, Prima is choosing to challenge it in court, with a scheduled date set for July 31st. This case highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of distracted driving laws, especially in scenarios like drive-thrus where the lines between safety and convenience can blur.
For any updates on this incident, refer to the original report by CTV News.
