Police catch 150 impaired drivers during festive crackdown across eastern Ontario

Preliminary figures show East Region officers ran more than 1,640 RIDE programs between Nov. 20 and Jan. 1

Ontario Provincial Police say officers across eastern Ontario arrested and charged 150 motorists with impaired driving during the annual Festive RIDE campaign.

Preliminary figures show East Region officers ran more than 1,640 RIDE programs between Nov. 20 and Jan. 1, stopping drivers on highways, rural roads and city streets.

All 150 drivers charged with impairment received an immediate 90 day licence suspension and had their vehicles impounded for seven days. Each also faces a future court date.

Police also issued 28 licence suspensions to drivers who tested in the warn range on approved roadside alcohol screening devices.

The seasonal enforcement blitz has ended, but RIDE checks will continue year round. Police say programs can happen anywhere, at any time, seven days a week.

Drivers are also being reminded that new impaired driving regulations took effect Jan. 1, 2026, bringing tougher licence suspensions and other measures.
 

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