The Ottawa Police Service Traffic Escort and Enforcement Unit pulled over a driver along Rideau Street this past Sunday afternoon.
The driver is now facing fines for driving without a license in an uninsured vehicle with an expired permit.
“Just out for a Sunday drive” isn’t an option when you’re uninsured, unlicensed (expired Sept ‘24) & have an expired permit (expired ‘22 for $705 in unpaid fines),” wrote OPS in an X post.
OPS Traffic Escort’s are using ALPR-assisted enforcement as police have seen more tickets for unlicensed or no licence drivers in Ottawa.
Officers are using tools — including Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) software — to better detect unlicensed drivers.
Police are notified only when the software scans the plates for a vehicle in the database.
While police have recently noted this increase, they are urging drivers to ensure they are carrying the proper identification. Without a licence, drivers face a $325 fine.
According to OPS, 95 tickets were issued between Jan. 1 to 28 for unlicensed drivers — with the majority of tickets issued with regular traffic enforcement and 33 per cent flagged by ALPR software.
In a press conference last week, Chief of Police Eric Stubbs attributed the cost of living as a consistent reason behind why people are not getting their licenses.
OPS notes it’s not just those without licenses that are getting caught — but many with expired licenses are facing fines.
In January 2024, 163 tickets were issued those driving without a valid permit and of those, ALPR technology facilitated 68 tickets for invalid licenses, said OPS.
Many drivers say they are not receiving reminders from the Ministry of Transportation to renew their licenses, noted OPS.
“It is the driver’s responsibility to look after their driving license affairs and ensure they renew their license plates. Drivers can sign up on the Service Ontario website to get text and email reminders that their license will expire and renew before expiration,” they added.