Canadian authorities quietly experimented with using drones to catch distracted drivers, leading to fines and legal challenges. In Kingston, Ontario, police were found to be using aerial drones to observe drivers, then issuing tickets for cellphone use while driving. This practice raises serious questions about privacy, unreasonable search, and whether the enforcement itself became a distraction.
Зміст
How It Worked
The story emerged after Laurie Esseltine was stopped by police shortly after photographing a drone hovering over her car at a red light. She was issued a $615 CAD fine, three demerit points, and risked a three-day license suspension for allegedly using her phone while driving. While Esseltine maintained her innocence, the charge was later dropped alongside at least one other drone-related ticket.
The Drones Themselves
The drones used were DJI Matrice 300 models — high-end equipment typically reserved for accident reconstruction, missing person searches, and large-scale event monitoring. Authorities have since stated that they stopped using drones for traffic enforcement following the initial incident in May, claiming no other agencies are known to be doing so.
Legal Concerns
The Canadian Constitution Foundation argues that the drone surveillance constitutes an unreasonable search and seizure under Canadian law. They are pushing for all 20 issued tickets to be dismissed, believing the government is selectively dropping cases to avoid legal scrutiny. Esseltine herself pointed out the irony: “What better way to catch a distracted driver than by providing the distraction?”
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights growing concerns about police use of surveillance technology and the fine line between enforcement and overreach. The practice was abandoned, but it raises questions about how governments are balancing safety with civil liberties.
The incident underscores a broader trend: law enforcement is increasingly turning to technology to monitor citizens. The question is whether that technology is being deployed fairly, legally, and without creating new problems in the process.
