OPS Festive RIDE program takes new approach to tackle impaired driving

The Ottawa Police Service is taking a different approach to its Festive R.I.D.E. program this season, in an attempt to decrease the number of impaired drivers on the city’s streets.

Since 2018, officers have had the authority to request a breathalyzer sample without initial suspicion that a driver had been drinking.

While there was a slight downward trend in impaired driving charges across the province between 2023 and 2024, arrests in Ottawa have increased in 2025. So far this year, police have charged 733 motorists with impaired driving related charges in Ottawa. Nearly half of those charges stemmed from 9-1-1 calls, local police say.

During the Festive R.I.D.E. campaign this year, Ottawa police will proactively share its enforcement locations each week, in hopes of encouraging drivers to plan ahead and make smart choices.

“Impaired driving is a safety issue for all road users,” Sergeant Amy Gagnon with the Impaired Countermeasures Section, said in a press release. “If you plan on drinking or consuming cannabis, plan a safe ride home. If you spot an impaired driver, please call 911 immediately.” 

Since enforcement began on Thursday, OPS have charged 13 drivers with impaired-related offences.

OPP Festive R.I.D.E. campaign also underway

OPP began its Festive R.I.D.E. campaign on Nov. 20.

Throughout its first week, 34 motorists were charged for impaired driving across the east region.

An additional seven three-day licence suspensions were issued to drivers who were found to be in the warning range on an approved roadside alcohol screening device.

OPP will not be sharing its enforcement locations ahead of time.