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Apple Watch user fined $120 for skipping songs while driving

Apple Watch user fined $120 for skipping songs while driving

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The Apple Watch just got more expensive for one man in Quebec. Jeffrey Macesin of Pincourt tells CTV News that he was pulled over by police for using the Watch while driving; he received a $120 fine and four points on his license. Macesin says his phone was in his bag, connected to the stereo with a cable, and he thinks police saw him skipping a song while his hand was on the steering wheel.

Macesin says the ticket was filed under section 439.1 of the Quebec Highway Safety Code, which reads: "No person may, while driving a road vehicle, use a handheld device that includes a telephone function." The Apple Watch is not a telephone itself; it relies on a paired iPhone for functionality, like a Bluetooth headset. But it does have a phone app and the ability to both make and receive calls through its microphone and speaker when connected to the iPhone.

"It's not so much handheld. It's a watch."

"It's not so much handheld. It's a watch," argues Macesin, who ironically says he uses Waze to notify him of where police officers are stationed on highways. "You know, it's on my wrist. That's where it gets controversial. It's like, ‘Is it? Is it not?' but I think this needs to be talked about." Macesin is contesting the case.