Driver charged after travelling 172 km/h on Riverside Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, July 21, 2026  9:12 a.m.

(Ottawa)—A 56-year-old driver is facing multiple charges after allegedly travelling 172 km/h in a posted 60 km/h zone on Riverside Drive.

On Saturday, July 18th, Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Traffic Units, along with Ottawa OPP, conducted an evening of targeted speed enforcement across the city.

One of the traffic stops of note was a driver who was charged with Stunt Driving.

At approximately 7 p.m., an OPS Road Safety Unit (RSU) officer, in an unmarked cruiser, was stopped behind a vehicle at a red light at Riverside Drive and Hunt Club Road.  When the light turned green, the vehicle accelerated northbound on Riverside Drive, reaching a speed of 172km/h in the posted 60km/h zone, passing another marked police cruiser that was travelling southbound.

The vehicle was safely stopped by the RSU officer, where the driver, a 56-year-old Ottawa man, was charged with Stunt Driving, Speeding, and Fail to Surrender Licence under the Highway Traffic Act.  The incident was captured on the cruiser's on-board dash cam.

The driver received an immediate roadside licence suspension for 30 days and roadside vehicle seizure/impound for 14 days. He also has an upcoming court date, where, upon conviction, he faces a further $2,000 to $10,000 fine, a further 1-3-year licence suspension, and up to 6 months in jail.

OPS and the OPP will continue conducting regular and joint enforcement initiatives targeting aggressive and dangerous driving across the city.  

Residents are encouraged to have discussions with family members and loved ones about the serious consequences of dangerous driving. These consequences can range from financial impacts to injury and/or death to themselves, their passengers, or other road users.

Residents are encouraged to report dangerous driving behaviour to police when it is safe to do so.

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