McDonald's regular says he received a $580 ticket for opening app in drive-thru

SASKATOON, Canada (WKRC) — A McDonald's regular said he got a $580 ticket for opening the fast-food chain's app in the drive-thru.

McDonald's customer Mason Prima spoke to Canada-based CTV News on Tuesday after he was allegedly handed a $580 ticket for pulling up the McDonald's app in the drive-thru. Per the outlet, Prima had hoped to use his points to score a free meal.

“I’m barely even moving. I pull up my app and look at the rear-view mirror and there’s a motorcycle cop behind me,” Prima told CTV News.

The 18-year-old told the station that he hadn't been worried when he opened the app, saying that he needed it to get a free meal he had earned through reward points.

“I just go like this and show him I’m on my McDonalds app loading up the code to get a free meal,” Prima explained to CTV News. "I did think he was just going to let me go because I’m just trying to get a free meal, but no, turns out to be a very expensive lunch.”

Prima told the outlet that the situation was a catch-22. He said staff at the location typically ask to see the app so rewards can be redeemed.

“I was kind of shocked to be honest. I’ve never had that before. I open up my app every time I go over to drive-thru and I’ve never had that issue,” Prima told the station.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Saskatoon have disputed Prima's version of events, however, and issued the following statement to CTV News:

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 McDonald’s parking lot, where the traffic violation was issued.

CTV News spoke with criminal defense lawyer Brian Pfefferle, who said there is still some ambiguity 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 the station's reporters.

Pfefferle told the station that driving while using a phone is clearly dangerous, but added that he questions the circumstances of Prima's case.

Prima told CTV News that he's been driving for two and a half years and has only had one speeding ticket, adding that he keeps his phone out of reach to be sure he isn't tempted to use it. According to the station, Prima is less worried about the $580 fine than he is the demerits off his license, adding that he plans to fight it in court.

Prima's court date is slated for July 31, per CTV News.

Editor's Note: CNN contributed to this report.