Police crack down on illegal car meets across Ottawa

Provincial and Ottawa police deployed across the city to disrupt illegal car gatherings, laying nearly 40 charges for dangerous driving and traffic violations.

Officers responded to complaints from property owners about unsanctioned meetups in multiple neighborhoods. On May 29, they focused on speeding, unsafe lane changes, red-light violations, and equipment infractions on roads and highways.

One motorcyclist was clocked at 151 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on Highway 417 near Huntmar Drive and charged with stunt driving and speeding—their licence was suspended for 30 days and the bike impounded for two weeks. On Highway 417 near Moodie Drive, another driver was caught going 157 km/h in a 100 km/h zone and charged with stunt driving.

Police also used automated licence plate readers to catch a suspended driver operating an uninsured vehicle and another driver with expired plates on Kent Street, later found uninsured.

The enforcement follows a Kanata parking lot incident last week where 75 vehicles gathered for a meetup promoted on social media. Property owners hadn't authorized the event, and police dispersed the group without incident.

Residents can report traffic concerns online at ottawapolice.ca/report.