A warning from a Saskatoon driver about using your fast-food app while in the drive-thru line a trip to get some free lunch cost him a lot more than he bargained for.
Im barely even moving. I pull up my app and look at the rear-view mirror and theres a motorcycle cop behind me, Mason Prima told CTV News about the moment he was pulled over going through the McDonalds drive-thru in Saskatoon.
He didnt think anything of using the app, and needed it to get the free lunch that he had earned through reward points.
Then the officer came to his window.
I just go like this and show him Im on my McDonalds app loading up the code to get a free meal, Prima said.
He thought that would be the end of it.
"I did think he was just going to let me go because Im just trying to get a free meal, but no, turns out to be a very expensive lunch, he said.
Prima says the whole process was a catch-22. He needed the app to complete his order, and its the first thing McDonalds staff ask you when you pull up.
I was kind of shocked to be honest. Ive never had that before I open up my app every time I go over to drive-thru and Ive never had that issue, he said.
In a statement to CTV News, the Saskatchewan RCMP disagreed with Prima's version of events.
"RCMP can confirm that on May 13, 2024 the individual was observed driving a vehicle on a public roadway while using a cellphone. A Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan RCMP officer initiated a traffic stop with the individual. The individual then pulled in the McDonalds parking lot, where the traffic violation was issued," the statement said.
Local criminal defense lawyer Brian Pfefferle says there is still a lot of grey area when it comes to technology and the law.
I feel for the individual that was charged here. If he was literally in the drive-thru area and not on a public roadway, Pfefferle told CTV News.
I would venture to guess that a great majority of people would utilize their cellphones in lineups such as that and it shouldnt be considered illegal, but its obviously debatable, he added.
Cellphone use while driving is clearly dangerous, says Pfefferle, but he questions the circumstances in Primas case.
Prima says he's only been driving for two and a half years, he's only had one speeding ticket in that time and is very careful to keep his cellphone out of reach, so he isnt tempted to use it while driving.
I didnt have my foot on the gas or brake. It was just rolling. Barely moving, Prima says.
Despite what the RCMP says, Prima is sticking to his guns for now.
The fine he faces is $580, which for this 18-year-old is a hefty amount, but hes most concerned about the demerits off his licence.
Prima said he feels strongly that he shouldn't have to pay this ticket and is prepared to fight it in court. That date is set for July 31.
lol that cop was a dickyeah no kidding
The section you quoted says he was on his phone before pulling into the Mcdonalds.The section quoted says the COPS say he was on his phone before pulling into McDonalds. I'm not jumping to believe that.
The section you quoted says he was on his phone before pulling into the Mcdonalds.
Cops are fucking liars with ticket qoutas though
Thats really shitty.
Had a family member one time have their vehicle break down in the middle of a snowstorm. While waiting for the tow truck he decided to drink some of the six pack he had while sitting there with the heat on. A cop had showed up before the tow truck and he actually received a dui even tho he was sitting in the backseat while drinking the beer bc its considered "driving", if the keys are in the ignition and the car is running.
The section you quoted says he was on his phone before pulling into the Mcdonalds.
The section you quoted says he was on his phone before pulling into the Mcdonalds.
He should have waited until he was in the drive through before getting his phone out.I believe he did. You can't trust cops
The section you quoted says he was on his phone before pulling into the Mcdonalds.But people will blatantly ignore this
I believe he did. You can't trust cops
Thankfully cops can't do this in USAyeah they'll just pull out a gun for some reason
It's funny you can see the majority of people by the polls think this is BS and then you check the comments and see some of the bootlickers lol
You cant trust people generally when it comes to testimony. Even if they believe theyre telling the truth, they sometimes arent.
It said the cop said he was on the road, that doesn't mean he actually was. Cops are pretty unreliable witnesses.
If somebody thinks they are telling the truth then it isn't a lie if it's proven to be false. It would be a mistake. A lie is knowingly telling a falsehood.
only in AmericaYes the beautiful American city of Saskatoon
But teenagers? Historically super trustworthy. Often considered some of the most reliable witnesses around!
Would I ger in trouble for using my gas station app while in the car to pay?Probably if the car is rolling forward while you use it.
Thats really shitty.If the car is broken down, the argument can be made that you cant move it.
Had a family member one time have their vehicle break down in the middle of a snowstorm. While waiting for the tow truck he decided to drink some of the six pack he had while sitting there with the heat on. A cop had showed up before the tow truck and he actually received a dui even tho he was sitting in the backseat while drinking the beer bc its considered "driving", if the keys are in the ignition and the car is running.
Sounds like your family member is stupid. He seriously couldn't wait till he got home to drink?
I know we live in an ACAB society, especially here on CE, but "That cop is an asshole for giving someone a ticket for doing something that is illegal" is a wild take for the majority to have.
If you were in the drive through and that same kid rear ended you becasue he was on his phone and idle rolled into you bumper, I'm sure you'd be all "Well, the code does time out, so I understand. I wouldn't want you to lose your free meal, after all."
And if the cop had said that was the moment he decided to ticket the kid I'd be a hell of a lot more sympathetic since that's actually provable based on what the kid themselves said, however that's not why the cop gave the ticket according to the cop.
"RCMP can confirm that on May 13, 2024 the individual was observed driving a vehicle on a public roadway while using a cellphone . A Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan RCMP officer initiated a traffic stop with the individual. The individual then pulled in the McDonalds parking lot, where the traffic violation was issued," the statement said.