OPP Charges Novice G2 Driver for Watching Netflix While Failing to Move Over for Emergency Vehicle on Highway 11-17

A novice G2 driver in Thunder Bay is facing charges after being stopped by the Ontario Provincial Police for failing to move over for an emergency vehicle while actively watching Netflix on a phone mounted above the steering wheel on Highway 11-17.

The incident occurred on April 19, when OPP officers observed the driver had a phone propped up on the dashboard playing a show while driving at highway speeds. Officers laid charges for both distracted driving and failing to move over for an emergency vehicle stopped on the roadside.

When I stopped to actually talk to this driver, who happened to be a novice driver, the driver had their phone propped up on the dash right above the steering wheel playing Netflix – watching the show, driving down the highway at highway speeds.

OPP Const. Armstrong

Const. Armstrong described the incident as “concerning for several reasons,” noting that the initial reason for the stop was the driver’s failure to move into another lane for an emergency vehicle. He emphasized that this behavior is not isolated, stating that during two traffic stops on the same night, he observed more than 30 vehicles fail to move over for emergency vehicles.

Armstrong added that in one stop prior to the Netflix incident, he was outside his vehicle standing on the side of the highway, highlighting the danger posed to first responders when drivers do not comply with move-over laws.

Context on Distracted Driving and Move-Over Laws

In Ontario, novice drivers holding a G2 licence are subject to strict conditions, including zero blood alcohol concentration and limits on the number of young passengers. Distracted driving, which includes using a handheld device to watch videos, is prohibited under the Highway Traffic Act and carries fines, demerit points, and possible licence suspensions.

Ontario’s move-over law requires drivers to slow down and proceed with caution when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights. On multi-lane highways, drivers must move into another lane if We see safe to do so. Violations result in fines and demerit points, with increased penalties for repeat offences.

The OPP continues to urge drivers to remain alert for emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside and to avoid distractions such as mobile phones while driving. Const. Armstrong used this incident to issue a public reminder about the importance of staying alert and complying with traffic safety laws.