Increase in Ottawa sees many new drivers facing charges by local authorities
In a recent news release, the Ottawa OPP revealed an alarming increase in charges against novice drivers. The surge in charges, which began in 2024 and continued through the first eight months of 2025, has seen a significant impact on the roads of Ottawa.
The charges, primarily consisting of POA (Provincial Offences Act) charges and speeding charges, have risen considerably. In 2024, Ottawa OPP laid 1305 POA charges against novice drivers, compared to 2376 charges laid in the same period in 2025. This represents an 81% increase in charges.
Speeding charges among novice drivers have also seen a 2% year-over-year rise in the Ottawa area. However, it's important to note that other charges against novice drivers have seen higher increases compared to speeding charges.
The increase in charges may indicate a trend of risky driving behavior among novice drivers in the Ottawa area. Serious offences such as Stunt Driving and Distracted Driving have also been reported.
Novice drivers in Ontario, including G1 and G2 drivers as well as M1 and M2 motorcycle licence drivers, have strict conditions about when and where they can drive while they're working through Ontario's graduated licensing program.
The OPP issued a reminder that having a driver's licence is a privilege, not a right. Increased consequences for novice drivers include longer suspensions upon conviction and the possibility of having to restart the Graduated Licencing program.
Unfortunately, incidents of novice drivers disregarding these rules have been reported. For instance, a G2 driver was caught going 138 km/h on Highway 417 near Moodie Drive, and another was caught speeding in the HOV lane. Additionally, a G1 driver was caught driving without a properly licensed driving instructor in the passenger seat, as required by law, and another was caught driving without insurance on Highway 417 with a suspended licence.
Last week, another G2 driver was caught going an astounding 206 km/h, highlighting the need for increased awareness and adherence to road safety rules among novice drivers.
The Ottawa OPP did not provide any information on potential causes for the increase in charges against novice drivers. However, the surge in charges underscores the importance of adhering to the rules of the road and the consequences that can arise from disregarding them.
Insurance rates may continue to increase due to the increase in charges against novice drivers. It's crucial for all drivers, especially novice drivers, to remember that the roads are a shared space and everyone has a responsibility to drive safely and responsibly.
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