Ottawa Police Charge Drivers for Alcohol Offences at RIDE Checkpoints

The Ottawa Police Service has charged several drivers with impaired driving offences and open alcohol possession at RIDE checkpoints over the weekend. This initiative is part of the ongoing Festive RIDE campaign, aimed at enhancing road safety during the holiday season.

On Friday night, police engaged with over 1,200 drivers at various checkpoints across the city. Authorities reported that two drivers faced charges related to impaired driving, while another driver registered a “warn” and received a three-day licence suspension. Additionally, one driver was already subject to a driving suspension and was charged accordingly.

Continued Enforcement Over the Weekend

The enforcement efforts continued into Saturday, where police charged two drivers for having open alcohol in their vehicles at a RIDE checkpoint. Four additional drivers also received three-day licence suspensions after registering a “warn.”

Authorities further discovered that one driver was under suspension for previous driving infractions, while another faced charges for misusing licence plates. Earlier in the week, on Thursday, police had already charged three drivers with offences related to impaired driving, highlighting their commitment to maintaining road safety.

The Ottawa Police Service expressed gratitude to responsible drivers through a statement on social media platform X, saying, “Thank you to all who made responsible choices. Together, we keep our roads safe!” The Festive RIDE campaign underscores the importance of sober driving, particularly during a time when celebrations may lead to increased risks on the roads.

The ongoing efforts by the Ottawa Police Service reflect a broader initiative to combat impaired driving and promote responsible choices among drivers throughout the festive season.