A routine Oshawa traffic enforcement stop turned into a costly lesson for a driver who failed to properly clear snow from their vehicle and was caught using a cell phone while driving.
Durham Regional Police said East Division officers stopped the vehicle at the intersection of Taunton Road and Wilson Road in Oshawa after observing that the driver had only partially cleared snow from the windshield, limiting visibility.
During the stop, officers also determined the driver was using a mobile phone while operating the vehicle. Police issued two charges as a result of the Oshawa traffic enforcement stop.
The fine for driving with snow-covered windows was $110, while the charge for using a hand-held device carries a $615 fine upon conviction, along with three demerit points and a three-day licence suspension for a first offence.
In a separate enforcement effort, East Division officers also targeted drivers failing to obey stop signs in the area of Grandview Drive and Southdown Street in Oshawa. Police said several motorists were fined, with penalties including a $110 fine and three demerit points.
Durham police also reported road closures across the region due to weather and investigations. The intersection of Kingston Road West and Ritchie Avenue in Ajax was temporarily closed for a collision investigation, while Highway 47 in Uxbridge was closed between Goodwood Road and Uxbridge Concession Road 2 because of icy road conditions.
Police are reminding drivers to fully clear snow and ice from vehicles, obey traffic laws, and adjust driving behaviour during winter conditions to ensure road safety.
