Driver fined for playing Pokemon Go behind the wheel

G'ohno.

RCMP have fined a driver for playing PokemonGo behind the wheel in New Westminster.

An officer caught the distracted driver at 10th Avenue and Sixth Street onMonday just after 8 a.m. The 51-year-old woman wasfined $368 for using an electronic device.

"An officernoticed she was looking elsewhere, stopped her, and she basically told the officer she had been in the midst of playing PokemonGo," said Cpl. Daniela Panesar.

"A little bit off the norm for sure."

RCMPwere patrolling the area on Monday morning, as September is distracted driving month. Panesar said officers issued 20 tickets in just 90 minutes.

PokemonGo, a free augmented-reality game, hasplayers chasing Pokemoninreal-world locations using maps of their surroundings. It quickly became an international hit after its debut just over a year ago.

People have been ticketed across the country for playing while they drive.

Halifax police fined a man for playing on the goin July 2016. In Quebec City, a driver crashed into two police officers after suddenly reversing in a parking lot.

When confronted, the driver admitted that they'd been looking for a Pokemon. They wereultimately issued two $30 tickets:one for failing to signaland the other for not properly looking behind the car before reversing.

Theofficers were treated for minor injuries in hospital.