Unexpectedly, an 18-year Mason Prima from Saskatoon, Canada got a surprising $425 traffic ticket for using his phone to get a free meal via the McDonald’s mobile app while he was in the drive-thru.
It was back on May 13th, Mason Prima in his BMW, sitting there ready to make an order at the McDonald’s drive-thru. He got out his mobile phone and clicked on the McDonald’s app because he wanted to use a free meal offer.
But Mason Prima’s attempt to get his free food turned into an unpredictable and expensive situation. When he was using the app, a police officer on a bike came near his vehicle and gave him a $425 ticket for utilizing his phone while driving.
Reports indicate that Mason Prima was not actively controlling his vehicle, as it was merely “rolling” forward without any input on the gas or brake pedals. He stated that he had opened the app on his phone while the car was moving at an extremely slow pace.
However, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police didn’t agree with Mason Prima’s story. They said they saw him using his cellphone on a public road before he drove into the McDonald’s parking lot. According to RCMP, the traffic violation was given when Prima entered the drive-thru area.
The high fine and possible effect on his driving record have made Mason Prima worried, and he is determined to argue against the ticket in court. He has only one speeding ticket during his two and a half years of driving, so the thought of adding demerits to Prima’s license is quite a concern for this young driver.
Additionally, this occurrence has led to a wider conversation about the confusion related to the application of rules regarding cell phone use. This is especially true for those who are operating vehicles and either not moving or moving at an extremely slow speed like in a drive-thru lane.
Brian Pfefferle, a criminal defense lawyer from the area, recognized that it is a complicated matter. He said “most of the people would have their cellphones on them in lineups like that and it’s not something illegal, but obviously up for debate.”
Mason Prima’s strong will to fight the ticket in court, which is set for July, shows he thinks he was singled out and that the law might not have been applied right in his situation. The result of his contest could possibly give clearer understanding about when using a cell phone while driving is legally allowed or not, even in non-traditional driving scenarios.
Mason Prima’s situation serves as a cautionary tale for drivers who may be tempted to use their phones while waiting in drive-thru lines, whether for earning rewards or making purchases. It highlights the need for clearer enforcement of distracted driving laws, taking into account specific circumstances and potential misunderstandings among drivers.
