What Are RIDE Programs in Ontario?
RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) programs are police checkpoints set up to detect and prevent impaired driving. Officers stop vehicles on public roadways to check whether drivers have consumed alcohol or drugs. These checks are common during holidays or weekends and often take place near bars, restaurants, or liquor-licensed establishments.
Police are legally allowed to stop any driver at a RIDE checkpoint without needing reasonable suspicion. If officers detect the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, or other signs of impairment, they can immediately demand a breath sample.
RIDE programs operate in two forms: stationary checkpoints and mobile setups. Stationary programs are located at fixed roadside points, while mobile RIDE involves police cruisers parked in areas like parking lots or outside LCBOs. Officers may stop vehicles exiting those areas and check for signs of impairment.
Checkpointing at RIDE stops has been upheld as lawful by Canadian courts. Officers may ask basic questions about drinking and driving, and if warranted, they can escalate the interaction to include formal breath testing.
These programs aim to discourage impaired driving by increasing the risk of being caught. Their visibility and unpredictability make them an effective enforcement strategy across Ontario.
What Happens if You Fail a RIDE Program
Failing a RIDE check typically results in immediate arrest or a roadside suspension, depending on the breath test results. A fail result from the roadside screening device leads to arrest for impaired driving and further testing at the station using the Intoxilyzer machine.
Once arrested, you must provide additional breath samples at the police station. If the results confirm impairment, you will be charged with a DUI offence. After being charged, you’re given a court date and released.
There are both immediate and longer-term consequences for failing a RIDE check:
- Immediate 90-day licence suspension under the Highway Traffic Act.
- 7-day vehicle impoundment.
- Mandatory fine of at least $1,000 if convicted.
- Criminal record if convicted of impaired, over 80, or refusal offences.
- Requirement to complete Ontario’s “Back on Track” education or treatment program.
- Installation of an ignition interlock device if you plead guilty within 90 days.
- Insurance rate increases or cancellations.
RIDE fails are often strong cases for the prosecution because breath samples are taken shortly after the stop and officers are usually equipped with the required testing devices. However, some elements of procedure must still be followed correctly for the case to hold up in court.
Can You Fight a DUI? – Yes
You can challenge a DUI charge, including those resulting from RIDE programs. Many cases are resolved without trial, and even if the case proceeds to court, not all lead to a conviction. The success of your defence depends on legal procedure, the accuracy of evidence, and how police conducted the stop and testing.
Legal defences often involve examining whether officers followed proper steps. If the breathalyzer device wasn’t immediately available, the demand may be unlawful. If the device was present but improperly operated, your lawyer can file a Charter application to have evidence excluded.
There is a standard process for fighting a DUI charge in Ontario:
- Licence suspension and charge – After failing a test, your licence is suspended for 90 days, and you receive a court date.
- Disclosure – The Crown Attorney provides all evidence, including police notes, video, and machine records.
- Pretrial meetings – Your lawyer meets with the Crown to assess the evidence and explore options.
- Judicial pretrial (if needed) – For complex cases, a judge may be involved to clarify issues before trial.
- Trial – Trials are heard in the Ontario Court of Justice. DUI trials usually do not involve a jury unless serious harm or death is involved.
There are multiple ways a case can be resolved short of a conviction. Charges may be reduced to careless driving, a Highway Traffic Act offence that doesn’t result in a criminal record. In cases where evidence is weak or delayed, charges may be stayed or withdrawn.
Some DUI cases are dismissed because of procedural errors or disclosure delays. According to the Jordan decision by the Supreme Court, cases must be concluded within 18 months. If the Crown fails to meet that timeline, charges may be dismissed for violating the right to a timely trial.
Working with a lawyer experienced in impaired driving cases increases the chances of identifying technical errors and raising legal defences. While not every case is winnable, failing a breath test does not automatically lead to a criminal conviction.
Should You Hire a Lawyer for a DUI – Yes
Hiring a lawyer for a DUI charge in Ontario is strongly recommended because the process is complex, and the consequences are serious. Impaired driving law involves technical rules around police procedure, testing devices, timelines, and disclosure. A lawyer who understands these areas can identify mistakes or oversights that may change the outcome of your case.
General criminal lawyers may not be familiar with the nuances of drinking and driving law. It’s important to find someone who focuses on DUI defence and knows how to challenge issues like the timing of breath demands, roadside screening procedures, and machine calibration. An experienced lawyer will ask questions that may reveal rights violations—such as where you were when approached by police or whether the officer had the testing device immediately available.
Lawyers also help guide you through court appearances, disclosure reviews, and pretrial meetings with the Crown. They can negotiate outcomes such as reduced charges or non-criminal resolutions if the circumstances allow. This may include a plea to careless driving under the Highway Traffic Act, avoiding a criminal record.
Ultimately, the stakes are too high to go without representation. A conviction can result in licence loss, fines, criminal records, and long-term effects on work, travel, and insurance. A lawyer gives you the best chance of navigating the system with a strong defence.
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost?
The cost to hire a DUI lawyer in Canada ranges widely depending on the complexity of the case. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 CAD.
Simple DUI cases with minimal court appearances or short trials often start at around $5,000. These may include charges with no accident, low breath readings, and straightforward facts. More complex matters—such as those involving Charter applications, police errors, or multiple days of trial—can cost up to $20,000.
Fees usually cover:
- Initial consultations and review of disclosure.
- Pretrial meetings with the Crown Attorney.
- Preparation of applications or defences.
- Court appearances and trial representation.
In some cases, lawyers offer flat rates, while others may bill hourly. Be sure to ask what is included in the fee. Additional expenses may arise if expert witnesses, toxicology reports, or private investigators are needed.
While the cost is high, a lawyer may help avoid much larger long-term expenses. A conviction can affect your insurance premiums for years, and in some professions, a criminal record may lead to job loss or missed employment opportunities.
Consequences of Getting Charged with a DUI
A DUI charge in Ontario results in both immediate penalties and long-term consequences that affect your licence, finances, and criminal record.
As soon as you’re charged:
- Your licence is suspended for 90 days by the Ministry of Transportation.
- Your vehicle is impounded for 7 days.
- You receive a court date and must wait for disclosure from the Crown.
If convicted of impaired driving, over 80, or refusing a breath test:
- You lose your licence for a minimum of 1 year (or as low as 3 months with early guilty plea and interlock).
- You must install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for 9 to 12 months.
- Fines start at $1,000 and can rise based on circumstances.
- A 30% surcharge is added to any fine.
- You must complete the “Back on Track” program at a cost of $894.
- Your licence reinstatement fee is $850.
- You receive a permanent criminal record unless the charge is reduced or stayed.
- Insurance premiums increase sharply or coverage may be denied altogether.
Employment, travel, and professional licensing can also be affected. A DUI record may interfere with crossing the U.S. border, especially if you have multiple convictions or other red flags. Some job sectors, especially those involving driving or vulnerable sector checks, may be closed off.
Even first-time offenders face serious penalties. Repeat offences carry mandatory jail time—30 days for a second conviction and 120 days for a third. Courts have no discretion to reduce these jail sentences if the offences occur within five years of each other.
The consequences begin immediately and extend well beyond the courtroom. That’s why understanding your legal options and acting quickly is important.
X-Copper Specializes in DUIs – We Can Help You
We understand how overwhelming a DUI charge can feel, especially when you’re facing licence suspension, court dates, and the risk of a criminal record. We’ve helped thousands of people across Ontario navigate the legal system with clarity and confidence, and we know how to approach impaired driving charges from every angle.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI—even if it happened at a RIDE stop—there are legal strategies that may apply to your situation. Whether it’s identifying procedural errors, negotiating with the Crown, or fighting for a reduced charge, we’re here to help you protect your record, your licence, and your future.
Reach out to us today. We’ll listen, explain your options clearly, and help you take the next step. You don’t have to face this alone.
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