Kingston Police's Drone Use to Catch Distracted Drivers Sparks Backlash

Lawyer Calls Tactic Unconstitutional, Threatens Litigation if Practice Continues
In Kingston, Ontario, motorists at three busy intersections were unaware they were being
monitored earlier this month—until Kingston Police used a drone to zoom in and record those using phones while driving.

On May 7 , the tactic resulted in 20 distracted driving tickets, with each alleged violation captured on drone video. It marked the first time Kingston Police had deployed drones for this purpose.

Police Defense: “New Tech for Traditional Evidence”

Kingston Police Chief Scott Fraser defended the approach, stating the service is merely using new technology to gather the same type of photographic evidence investigators have long relied on to prove texting-and-driving violations.

Backlash: Legal Challenges & Public Debate

The tactic quickly stirred controversy:
Public division: Social media debate swelled, with some residents arguing the drone use crossed a line, while others supported the novel approach to curb distracted driving.
Legal opposition: Legal experts and a lawyer have denounced the practice as an invasion of privacy, calling it an “unreasonable search” that violates Canada’s Charter of Rights and
Freedoms. The lawyer has further threatened litigation if Kingston Police do not stop using drones for this purpose.