Sometimes you have to make a mistake before learning your lesson.

That’s what happened with Postmedia reporter David Akin on Tuesday while he was live on 1310NEWS.

Akin was on with Ottawa Today with Mark Sutcliffe when he was pulled over by police for talking on his cell phone while driving.

Akin immediately realized he was doing something illegal and put the phone down, but it was too late.

True story and lesson learned at a cost of $490! Kids: put the phone down! https://t.co/8zo7z9HwPB — David Akin (@davidakin) August 23, 2016

Today was the day, of course, I forgot my hands free set. No excuse, though. Should have pulled over. https://t.co/6KgFe61P0x — David Akin (@davidakin) August 23, 2016

Drivers in Ontario can face fines between $490-$1000 for distracted driving, as well as three demerit points.