Ottawa police crack down on car meets as noise complaints surge

Ottawa police have ramped up enforcement at unauthorized car meets, issuing 286 tickets for stunt driving and related offences through May 20—a 23 per cent increase from the same period in 2025.

The crackdown reflects a widening rift within the car community. Genuine enthusiasts gather to showcase vehicles and socialize, but a subset comes to race, rev engines, and perform burnouts. Common violations include unnecessary noise, stunt driving, improper mufflers, and heavily tinted windows.

"There's a lot of new faces," said Been Alarcon, a car influencer who regularly attends meets. "I understand wanting to get yourself well-known and motivating other drivers to do a couple of revs. But there's a lot of heat from egos and the younger generation being obnoxious, and it's hard to control."

Sgt. Josh Callaghan of Ottawa police's road safety unit said officers now regularly monitor meets and speak with organizers about liability and risk. Police say attendees at these gatherings may engage in illegal street racing, excessive speeding, and behaviour that endangers cyclists and other drivers.

Recently, police announced dozens of charges at illegal car gatherings on June 5 at Merivale Road and Train Yards, with offences including speeding and failing to stop at a red light.

Organizers like Kevin Arcardo are working to create sanctioned events where car people can gather without disruption. "It's just ruining the enjoyment for the actual car people," he said of the noise-making minority.