Festive RIDE Campaign nets 101 impaired driving arrests in eastern Ontario so far

The OPP say the public plays a critical role in preventing impaired driving as increased holiday enforcement continues.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) arrested and charged 34 impaired drivers during the fourth week of their Festive RIDE campaign, bringing the total number of arrests to 101 across eastern Ontario. In results released Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, the OPP said officers conducted nearly 1,100 Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) programs since the initiative began on Thursday, Nov. 20. More than 100 impaired drivers have been taken off the roads during that time, including 34 in the past week alone.

“Each driver charged with impaired operation has had their licence suspended for 90 days and their vehicle impounded for seven days, and all have a scheduled court appearance,” the OPP said in the release.

Officers also issued 20 three-day licence suspensions to drivers found in the warn range on an approved roadside alcohol screening device, up five from the 15 issued overall by the third week of the initiative. in the previous week.

According to the OPP, the Festive RIDE campaign runs until Jan. 1, 2026. Officers from Quinte West to the Quebec boundary, and northwest through the Ottawa Valley, will continue to check for drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs.

RIDE programs operate day and night, seven days a week, along major highways, rural roads, and downtown streets.

“While we could be anywhere, we can’t be everywhere,” the OPP said. “If you suspect someone is driving impaired by drugs or alcohol, call 9-1-1. You could be saving lives.”