Driver caught watching TikTok on Ottawa highway

Ontario Provincial Police say an officer spotted a driver watching TikTok videos on their phone while driving along Highway 417. (OPP_ER/X)

An Ottawa driver is facing a $615 fine for watching TikTok while cruising down a highway in the capital.

Ontario Provincial Police say an officer spotted a driver watching a video on their phone while driving on Hwy. 417.

The driver is facing a distracted driving charge, which includes a $615 fine, three demerit points and a three-day driving suspension upon conviction.

Two weeks ago, police charged 16 drivers with distracted driving during a blitz on Highway 417 in Ottawa.

Police said one driver was “watching a TV show” while behind the wheel.

• Driver watching TV show stopped for distracted driving on Ottawa highway

In January, an OPP officer stopped a ride-share driver after noticing they were watching a video on their cellphone while transporting a passenger on Highway 417.

Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, distracted driving includes viewing “display screens unrelated to driving, such as watching a video.”

“You are allowed to use hands-free wireless communications devices with an earpiece, lapel button or Bluetooth,” the Ontario government’s website says. “You can view GPS display screens as long as they are built into your vehicle’s dashboard or securely mounted on the dashboard.”