St Patrick’s Weekend R.I.D.E. Results

DRPS conducted a R.I.D.E. initiative over the weekend up to the early morning hours of March 18, 2026. The R.I.D.E. Team stopped 837 vehicles and charged four drivers with impaired driving offences.

The results are as follows: 

837   Vehicles stopped by R.I.D.E.
38    People given Roadside Breath Tests
5      People received “7 Day Suspensions” for registering a “WARN”
0      Novice Driver received a 7 or 30 Licence Suspension
4      People were charged with Impaired Offences

1      Person was arrested on a Criminal Code Driving Prohibition

52   Charged with various Highway Traffic Act offences

Over the weekend into Wednesday morning, four drivers were arrested by the R.I.D.E Team for Impaired Driving offences.   All drivers charged face automatic roadside sanctions and will be required to attend court at a later date.

On March 17, 2026 a motorist was observed failing to stop at a stop sign, before pulling in to a licensed establishment in Downtown Whitby. Members of the R.I.D.E. team, performed a traffic stop and spoke to the male driver. It was determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol, and was given a road side breath test on an Approved Screening Device. The driver, registered in the WARN range, prompting an automatic 7 Day Driver’s Licence suspension. Further investigation revealed that the driver was subject to a Criminal Code driving prohibition for past impaired driving and prohibited driving convictions, as well had a Provincial Driver’s Licence suspension (x2). The driver also had warrants in other jurisdictions. He was arrested and charged accordingly. His vehicle was impounded for 45 days, under the Vehicle Impoundment Program (V.I.P.)

 A complete list of those charged with Impaired/Exceed is posted on our website under News Room and can be viewed at:

https://www.drps.ca/media/1fbpahp2/ride-names-st-patrick.pdf

If you suspect an impaired driver, please call 9-1-1.

 Note: Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, anyone charged with a drinking and driving criminal offence will have his or her Driver’s Licence suspended for 90 days and their vehicle impounded automatically for seven days.

As of January 1, 2026, any driver registering a WARN on and ASD (alcohol) or who fails a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST)  for Alcohol and /or Drug, will receive:

• 1st offence: 7 Day Licence Suspension + 8 Hour driver education course +$250 penalty+ $281 Licence reinstatement fee.
• 2nd Offence:  14 Day Driver’s Licence Suspension +16 Hour treatment program +$350 penalty+$281 Licence reinstatement fee.
• 3rd Offence: 30 Day Licence suspension, 16 Hour treatment program, Ignition Interlock program for 6 months +$450 penalty + $281 Licence reinstatement fee.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.