Ottawa police have wrapped up their annual holiday traffic safety initiative, with the final Festive RIDE campaign of 2025 resulting in charges for dozens of drivers. The police service announced the results on Sunday, January 4, 2026, revealing a significant number of infractions detected during the seasonal enforcement push.
Breakdown of Charges from Final Campaign
During this last campaign of the year, officers laid a total of 34 charges against drivers. The majority of these, 27 charges, were for impaired-related offences, highlighting the continued focus on removing intoxicated drivers from Ottawa's roads. The remaining charges included two drivers caught operating a vehicle while suspended, three charged with having open alcohol in the vehicle, and two others facing charges under the Cannabis Control Act.
This enforcement action was not limited to a few spots. Police conducted checks at 76 different locations across the city, leading to interactions with 6,924 drivers. The police emphasized that enforcement was a combined effort, stating that in addition to the dedicated RIDE checkpoints, frontline officers continued to target impaired driving during their regular patrols.
Seasonal and Annual Totals Show Enforcement Trend
The final weekend campaign contributed to the broader seasonal tally. Throughout the entire Festive RIDE season, which combines dedicated programs and routine police work, a total of 94 drivers were charged with impaired-related offences in Ottawa.
Looking at the full calendar year, the numbers indicate a persistent issue. The charges from the festive season brought the total number of drivers charged with impaired-related offences in 2025 to 854. This figure represents a slight increase from the 837 drivers charged in the previous year, 2024.
Ongoing Commitment to Road Safety
The release of these statistics serves as a year-end reminder of the Ottawa Police Service's ongoing commitment to road safety and the legal consequences for those who choose to drive impaired. The RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program remains a cornerstone of their strategy, especially during the holiday period when social gatherings are more frequent.
The police did not specify the types of penalties faced by the charged drivers, but impaired driving offences in Ontario typically carry severe consequences, including immediate licence suspensions, substantial fines, vehicle impoundment, and potential criminal records.
