Festive RIDE programs are kicking off around the province. Perth County OPP launched their annual program yesterday. Wellington County and West Region OPP kick off today.
Don’t be surprised to see officers conducting RIDE checks throughout the region. The Festive RIDE program runs until January 2, 2023, but RIDE checks year-round looking for drivers under the influence.
Motorists are reminded officers regularly conduct Mandatory Alcohol Screening with drivers who are pulled over and they will be ramping up this measure, including RIDE stops, throughout the campaign. Heading into its fifth year, under the MAS law, an officer with a screening device can demand a breath sample from any driver without having a reasonable suspicion they have alcohol in their body.
Under impaired driving laws, the OPP can also demand a driver submit to a Standardized Field Sobriety Test and a Drug Recognition Expert evaluation. Make a year-round commitment to driving sober and planning ahead to get yourself and others home safely.