![screenshot 202026 01 09 20115345]()
Kingston woman fights back against police using drone in traffic
Officers used the drone to ticket the woman for distracted driving, but dropped the charge after a challenge over privacy violations
Author: Driving.ca
The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) says the withdrawal of a distracted-driving charge issued to a woman by Kingston Police using a drone last summer is a warning to police. During a distracted-driving blitz by police in Kingston, Ontario last summer, a ticket was issued to a woman whose name is being withheld due to privacy concerns. The woman was charged by police for using her cellphone while operating a motor vehicle.
While stopped at a red light on May 7, 2025, the woman noticed a large drone hovering outside her car window and "thought the drone operator might have been committing a crime or invading her privacy," so the woman used her phone to take a picture of the drone, the release read.
Minutes later, police pulled her over and issued a $500 ticket under section 78.1(a) of the Highway Traffic Act for using her phone while driving. According to the CCF, her licence was suspended for three days, and she faced nearly $900 in fines and fees.
This charge was withdrawn by the Crown, according to a news release issued last week by the CCF, a national and non-partisan charity. The CCF said that while Kingston Police were using this technology to zoom in on and record unsuspecting drivers, they were conducting unreasonable searches that violated the expectation of privacy protected by section 8 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Josh Dehaas, counsel for the CCF, said in a telephone interview that using this technology for these specific purposes is "unacceptable."
"The fact that the Crown withdrew the ticket suggests that they may have thought they wouldn't succeed if it actually went to trial," Dehaas said. "Though it does not set a legal precedent, it is a warning to police that they might not get away with this sort of thing in the future." He added, "The enforcement of distracted driving laws is important, but it can't be used as an excuse to normalize drone surveillance."
Continue reading HERE!
Source: Kingston woman fights back against police using drone in traffic | Driving
Visit our website for many more details and pictures at www.CourtenayMazda.com
We are a family-run, locally owned and operated dealership in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island specializing in new and used vehicle sales, and servicing all areas of the Comox Valley including Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, Parksville, Nanaimo, Victoria and all of Vancouver Island. Call us toll-free at 1-866-806-2818 or locally at 250-338-5777.
Come visit Vancouver Island's Premier pre-owned vehicle location across from Costco and Crown Isle in Courtenay, BC. We have an exceptionally large and fully reconditioned inventory with a complete 155-point inspection on every vehicle! Hundreds more on-line to choose from. We also service all makes and models with 6 service bays, including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Hyundai, Jeep, Pontiac, Subaru, Kia, VW, BMW, Mercedes and so many more. Tour our welcoming facility, meet our staff and join us for a coffee!
We are the one of the busiest pre-owned vehicle dealerships on Vancouver Island. Along with our fine line of New Mazda cars and Used Mazda vehicles, we market pre-owned import and domestic brands of quality Cars, Trucks, Vans, CUV's and SUV's - you name it and we will find it - and can help you get into the car or truck you need, no matter your current credit situation, without hassle or delay. Let us help you!
For more than 20 years, Courtenay Mazda has been a trusted and respected used car dealer in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. We are dedicated to ensuring that you go far in a used car or truck, and it starts with an exclusive inventory of quality, reliable used cars and trucks, and a financing service that can provide you with guaranteed approval, help you restore your credit, and get you the best rate possible for your needs and situation.
Courtenay Mazda -- MVSA Certified #40158
