Vernon driver ticketed $368 after police spot laptop on her lap
A West Kelowna woman faces a $368 fine after police allegedly saw her driving with an open laptop in Vernon during a distracted-driving blitz.
Crime Canada newsroomPublished
A 52-year-old West Kelowna woman is facing a $368 fine after a BC Highway Patrol officer allegedly saw her driving with an open laptop on her lap in Vernon. Police said the stop happened on Nov. 5, 2026.
The officer spotted the blue Honda Pilot just after 4:30 p.m. on Highway 97, also known as 32 Street in Vernon, according to BC Highway Patrol. The stop was part of a distracted-driving operation.
The driver was ticketed for using an electronic device while driving under section 214.2(1) of British Columbia’s Motor Vehicle Act, police said. The fine listed for the violation is $368.
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The laptop ticket was issued during a two-and-a-half-hour blitz.
“Driving is a complex task that requires your complete attention to deal with the unexpected,” said Sgt. Michael McLaughlin of BC Highway Patrol. In a statement about the operation, he said being comfortable behind the wheel does not exempt drivers from road rules.
McLaughlin said devices prescribed under the Motor Vehicle Act include televisions, electronic logging devices and hand-held devices that can process or compute data. He also warned that holding a cellphone like a piece of pizza is not hands-free.
About these reports
This article is based on the official statement linked below. Charges are allegations; everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Official source: RCMP
