Ottawa police lay 2,050 charges through Project NoiseMaker since early May

Ottawa police officers continue to reel in speeders, stunt drivers, distracted drivers and more through Project Noisemaker.

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) says it's laid 2,050 charges related to loud and aggressive driving since early May. That number includes 1,103 speeding tickets, 142 charges related to stunt driving, 70 for distracted driving and 126 charges for having an improper muffler or for excessive noise.

Since July 1, stunt driving charges under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA) apply to those driving in excess of 50 km/h over the posted speed limit as well as those going 40 km/h over when the posted speed limit is less than 80 km/h. When charged with stunt driving, the driver's vehicle is impounded for 14 days instead of what used to be seven. 

Beginning Sept 12, anyone charged with stunt driving in Ontario can have their licence suspended for 30 days, not just seven. 

OPS officers continue to target aggressive drivers in response to requests from residents across the city. Ottawa traffic safety complaints can be made online. 

Project Noisemaker was launched soon after the pandemic started in 2020, as police were seeing an increased number of drivers taking advantage of more space on the roads by speeding and driving aggressively.