Saskatoon, Canada – A McDonald’s customer in Saskatoon, Canada found himself facing a hefty $425 traffic ticket after using his phone to redeem a free meal from the popular fast-food chain’s drive-thru on May 13. Eighteen-year-old Mason Prima recounted how he was waiting in line at the drive-thru when he was approached by a police officer for using the McDonald’s mobile app.
Prima explained that he was simply trying to access the app to claim his free meal when he was stopped by a motorcycle cop. Despite showing the officer that he was using the app to order and access coupons, Prima was still issued a fine. The teen expressed his shock, stating that he had used his phone to order at McDonald’s before without any issues.
The $580 fine, equivalent to $425 USD, was a significant blow to Prima, who is more concerned about the demerits that will be added to his license. Although Prima argued that his car was not in motion but merely “rolling,” the Royal Canadian Mounted Police contradicted his version of events, claiming he was seen using his phone on a public roadway before entering the restaurant’s parking lot.
Local criminal defense lawyer Brian Pfefferle weighed in on the situation, acknowledging the ambiguity surrounding cell phone use in certain areas. Pfefferle expressed empathy for Prima and suggested that using a phone in a drive-thru should not necessarily be considered illegal.
Despite the fine, Prima remains determined to contest the ticket in court. The incident has sparked a debate about the legality of using a phone in a drive-thru line and whether such actions warrant a traffic violation. Prima’s decision to fight the ticket highlights the ongoing discussion about the intersection of technology and traffic laws.