North Bay Police Lays 16 Impaired Driving Charges
The North Bay Police Service (NBPS) laid 16 impaired driving charges between November 15, 2025, and January 15, 2026, during the annual Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign, highlighting an ongoing and concerning risk to public safety.
During this period, officers charged:
- 10 drivers with Operation While Impaired by Drugs or Alcohol
- 6 drivers with Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Over 80 mg
By comparison, during the same period in the previous year, NBPS laid:
- 10 charges for Operation While Impaired by Drugs or Alcohol
- 2 charges for Operation While Impaired – BAC Over 80 mg
As of January 1, 2026, penalties for impaired driving under the Highway Traffic Act have been significantly strengthened, reinforcing that impaired driving is both dangerous and unacceptable.
Mandatory Alcohol Screening, in effect since 2018, allows officers to demand a roadside breath sample during any lawful traffic stop — even when no suspicion of impairment exists.
“Impaired driving is entirely preventable,” says Acting Insp. Vince Corrente. “We are asking drivers to plan ahead, use a designated driver, rideshare service, or public transit, and to step in if someone is considering getting behind the wheel while impaired. One decision can save a life.”
“Warn Range” (BAC 0.05–0.079 or Failed Sobriety Test – Alcohol or Drugs)
Penalties now include:
- 7-day immediate licence suspension for first-time offenders (up from three days)
- Mandatory remedial education or treatment programs
- Fines and escalating penalties for repeat offences
- Ignition interlock requirements for third offences
- A $281 licence reinstatement fee payable to ServiceOntario for all suspensions
Zero Tolerance for Young and Novice Drivers
Drivers 21 and under, or those holding G1, G2, M1, or M2 licences, remain subject to zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol, with immediate roadside suspensions, mandatory education or treatment programs, escalating penalties, and possible licence cancellation upon conviction.
Longer “Look-Back” Period
Police can now review 10 years of prior impaired driving convictions (up from five years) when determining penalties, meaning past decisions can have long lasting consequences.
Severe Financial and Legal Impacts
- Auto insurance premiums may increase 50–150% or be cancelled for at least three years
- Vehicles may be impounded for seven days at the owner’s expense
- Drivers with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, or who refuse to provide a sample, face criminal charges, lengthy suspensions, fines, and mandatory programs
- Lifetime licence suspensions now apply for drivers convicted of impaired driving causing death
