Policeman issues man a ticket for texting while waiting in drive-thru

A Canada man received a $287 distracted driving ticket after he replied to a text message while waiting in the drive-thru of an Alberta Tim Horton's restaurant, PIX11 reported.

After placing an order, A.J. Daoust was waiting in the drive-thru when he checked his phone to kill time. 

“I was just sitting there and I got a text. I replied to it,” Daoust said. As he finished sending his text message, a police officer knocked on his window and asked to pull him over.  

“I just asked him like, ‘in a drive-thru? Really?’ ” Daoust said.

Because the law in Alberta prohibits the use of a phone on any roadway — public or private — the officer was justified in ticketing Daoust.

“I just couldn’t believe it. At that point I was trying not to be rude, but it just kind of came out after that,” he said. Daoust said he feels the ticket wasn't necessary, but he won't fight it.  He said he will, however, try to get the amount reduced in court. 

“It’s stupid. It didn’t have to happen. But I guess that’s how it goes,” Daoust said.

Contact Caitlin Lilly at clilly@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @caitiesmith