NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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This holiday season, the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be on the lookout for impaired drivers and keeping Ontario roads safe for everyone.
The Festive RIDE campaign has become a familiar and important part of the holiday season and will begin on Thursday, November 20, 2025, and continues throughout the holidays until Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
During Festive RIDE, officers will use Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) to identify impaired drivers. MAS allows police to demand a roadside breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver, without needing reasonable suspicion. In addition to criminal charges, fully licensed drivers who refuse testing or register a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08 per cent face a 90-day licence suspension and 7-day vehicle impoundment. Young, novice, and commercial drivers (A-F, G1, G2, M1, M2) must follow zero tolerance, meaning no alcohol in their system. Driving under the influence of drugs is just as dangerous and carries the same severe penalties.
"Impaired driving, whether by alcohol, drugs, or both, is a crime and is completely preventable. When someone drives impaired, they endanger every member of our community," said Inspector Tyler Sturgeon, Commander, East Algoma Detachment.
This holiday season, the East Algoma OPP and our policing partners will be out in full force to keep roads safe, but police enforcement alone is not enough. Community members need to plan ahead for a safe ride, speak up against impaired driving, and call 9-1-1 if they suspect an impaired driver. Safety is a shared responsibility, and together we can make this a safe and enjoyable season for all."
Communities can expect an increased police presence, with officers conducting RIDE checks around the clock. Please approach all checkpoints slowly and with caution. Let's work together to prevent tragedy this holiday season: If you suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 or 1-888-310-1122.
Whether you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, impaired is impaired and driving under the influence of either is a criminal offence.
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