Ottawa traffic blitz leads to 248 charges, seven for stunt driving

Ottawa police laid 248 charges during a three-day traffic enforcement blitz in the city's south end from Nov. 3 to 5, 2026. Seven drivers were charged with stunt driving after police said they were travelling at excessive speeds.

The operation focused on speeding, stop sign violations, distracted driving and other unsafe behaviour, police said. Officers laid 59 speeding charges, plus two more for speeding in a community safety zone. They also laid 35 charges for failing to stop at a stop sign and 17 for using a hand-held communication device while driving.

Other charges included 11 related to window coatings that obstructed a driver's view, eight for driving in a reserved bus lane and six for driving while suspended. Police also reported charges involving licensing, permits, insurance, improperly secured passengers and open liquor or cannabis in vehicles. One driver was charged with failing to move over for an emergency vehicle or tow truck.

Seven stunt driving charges

On Nov. 3, officers stopped two drivers on Piperville Road at 105 and 112 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. The next day, police charged three drivers: one travelling at 103 km/h on Piperville Road, one at 110 km/h near Hall Road and Thunder Road, and one at 156 km/h on Fallowfield Road. The respective speed limits were 60, 60 and 80 km/h.

On Nov. 5, police charged two drivers travelling at 142 km/h on Rideau Valley Drive North in an 80 km/h zone and 114 km/h near Strandherd Drive and the Transitway in a 70 km/h zone.

Police said Ontario's stunt driving law provides for an immediate roadside licence suspension and vehicle impoundment for drivers caught at least 40 km/h over the limit where it is below 80 km/h, or at least 50 km/h over where it is 80 km/h or higher. Fines and other penalties can follow a conviction.

Police urge drivers to slow down, put their phones away, pay attention and obey traffic signs. Enforcement initiatives will continue across Ottawa, police said, and residents are encouraged to report ongoing traffic concerns in their neighbourhoods.