The R.I.D.E. program began in 1977 as a local initiative in the west end of Metroplitan Toronto, in the borough of Etobicoke, as Reduce Impaired Driving in Etobicoke. The success of the event insured the adoption of R.I.D.E. across Canada, and it became Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere.

R.I.D.E. programs are run throughout the year, but are primarily conducted during the winter holiday season, known as Festive R.I.D.E.

South Simcoe Police, supported by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), conduct road side spotchecks throughout our region. In partnership with neighbouring services, we also run joint R.I.D.E. checks with Barrie Police and York Regional Police.


During a R.I.D.E. spotcheck, officers stop cars, talk with the drivers and evaluate their sobriety. We are pleased to report that most people are sober, and some are even designated drivers for others in the car. Unfortunately, we still catch a number of impaired drivers through our R.I.D.E. programs. If arrested for Impaired Driving, you will have your driver’s licence suspended for 90 days, and your car will be impounded for 7 days. You will be given a court date, and if convicted, you may have your driver’s licence suspended for one year, you may have to pay a fine of a minimum of $1000, and you may be given jail time. Those convicted of a second or third offence will serve time in jail, and may have their driving privileges taken away for life.

R.I.D.E. programs are designed to safeguard the public, to educate about the seriousness of the offence, and to catch impaired drivers. Please assist us in our efforts by not drinking and driving, using a designated driver, or using public transportation or a taxi. If you suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1. Together we can make a difference.