Driver caught using laptop and cellphone behind wheel on Hwy. 417: OPP

Ontario Provincial Police say a driver was using a laptop and a cellphone behind the wheel on Highway 417 in Ottawa on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (OPP/X)

Ontario Provincial Police say a driver in Ottawa was so distracted behind the wheel on Tuesday, he didn’t even notice the police car beside him.

Police stopped the driver on Highway 417 at around 5 p.m., Const. Michael Fathi said in a post on X.

“The driver was observed using both his laptop and cellphone during peak rush hour traffic,” Fathi wrote.

The man now faces a $615 fine, three demerit points and a three-day driving suspension upon conviction.

Earlier in the day, Fathi said officers continue to see many drivers using their phones behind the wheel on the highway.

“Distracted driving remains the number one cause of serious and fatal collisons in Ontario. Leave the phone alone!” Fathi said.

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App