Elgin OPP, St. Thomas and Aylmer Police remind motorists the annual Festive RIDE program is now underway. And, police remind under the Mandatory Alcohol Screening provision, an officer with an approved alcohol screening device can demand a breath sample from any driver without having reasonable suspicion they have consumed alcohol.
Officers also have drug screening equipment to detect cannabis and cocaine under the province’s zero tolerance sanctions for young, novice and commercial drivers.
Under impaired driving laws, the OPP can also demand that a driver submit to a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) and a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Evaluation. SFST-trained officers and DREs have the expertise to detect impairment by alcohol, drugs or both in a driver.
This year’s Festive RIDE program will operate until Jan. 3.
