Driver facing charges after watching TikTok while on Highway 417
Posted Feb 19, 2025 11:48:34 AM.
Last Updated Feb 19, 2025 12:10:28 PM.
Early Wednesday morning, an officer with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region charged a driver with distracted driving on Highway 417.
This came after the accused was observed watching TikTok while driving, wrote OPP on X.
According to police, the driver is facing a $615 fine, three demerit points, and a three-day driving suspension upon conviction.
OPP is reminding drivers to “leave the phone alone” and practice safe driving.
Today’s incident is not the first when it comes to distracted driving involving TikTok. In September when police conducted enforcement over the Labour Day long weekend, they caught a driver watching videos on their phone.
More recently, in an early morning enforcement blitz that took place on Feb. 6, a total of 16 drivers were charged with distracted driving, including one who was watching TV in traffic.
OPP are warning against distracted driving, reminding drivers that there will be harsh consequences.
“It is a law for a reason,” the force said. “Help us keep Ontario roads safe – put the phone away.”
While officials urged people to slow down and drive carefully, as of September, 227 lives have already been lost on OPP-patrolled roads.
This included 21 pedestrians and cyclists, added OPP.
