Holiday checkstops are back to nab impaired drivers north of Brampton

The holiday season usually means more social events and parties to attend, but police are reminding drivers to take a pass on drugs and alcohol as holiday checkstops are already catching impaired motorists north of Brampton.

The Caledon OPP and officers in many detachments across the province have launched their annual Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaigns to catch impaired drivers on Ontario roads.

Caledon officers have already started their enforcement and were out working a R.I.D.E. checkstop on Tuesday, and say one driver who came through “blew in the warn range” on a breath test device.

The driver was hit with a three-day immediate license suspension while their vehicle was towed away.

Drivers can face charges if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or more, while the warn range is a blood alcohol concentration between 0.05 and 0.079.

The Festive R.I.D.E. campaign is on now until Jan. 1.

Police agencies across Ontario are now conducting mandatory breathalyzer alcohol screening at every traffic stop on GTA highways, including the QEW and Highways 403 and 401.

Police say anyone who suspects a driver of operating while impaired by drugs or alcohol is encouraged to call 911 and report it when safe to do so. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

#FestiveRIDE at this time? Yes! #CaledonOPP Traffic Unit members conducted #RIDE midday Tuesday in Terra Cotta. 1 driver blew in the warn range. A 3 day immediate license suspension was issued. Vehicle removed via tow. For more info click: https://t.co/fRSKRXQYj6 #DriveSober ^kh pic.twitter.com/TfDevgp3q3

— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) November 29, 2024