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Checkpoints are very common where I live (they're called RIDE checks, which I suppose is acronym for something). They're more common around public holidays, but

Checkpoints are very common where I live (they're called RIDE checks, which I suppose is acronym for something). They're more common around public holidays, but can happen at any time. They're not an inconvenience at all, and I'm not opposed to them in any way. It takes 20 seconds to go through them, and all the officer does is ask you if you've had anything to drink or have used any "wacky tobaccy"[1] recently, shine a flashlight into the car to check for open drinks (and presumably, use his nose too), then let you go. But then again, I'm a white male, and certain minorities might have worse experiences. [1] That's a new one that I heard just a few days ago.

leetcrew 7y ago
I'm honestly not sure why this is considered acceptable. officers should not get to stop me and shine a light around in my car unless they have at least some reason to suspect that I am breaking the law. the fact that I'm leaving downtown on a holiday isn't enough.
- TallGuyShort 7y ago
  Especially considering how often DUI's are repeat offenders, there are plenty of chances to permanently revoke someone's driving privileges with due process. One recent "crackdown" in the law called for mandatory jail time only after the 4th offense. That's a ridiculous number of chances to give someone for something so selfish and reckless.
  - frosted-flakes 7y ago
    Not in Ontario, where RIDE checks take place. Canada has quite strict impaired driving laws. Quoting Wikipedia[1], The minimum sentences are: For a first offence, a $1000 fine and a 12-month driving prohibition, For a second offence, 30 days of jail and a 24-month driving prohibition, and For a third or subsequent offence, 120 days of jail and a 36-month driving prohibition. If no one is hurt or killed, and the prosecutor is proceeding by summary conviction, the maximum sentence is 18 months of jail. If no one is hurt or killed, and the prosecutor is proceeding by indictment, the maximum sentence is 5 years of jail. If another person suffers bodily harm because of the offence, the maximum sentence is 10 years in jail. If another person is killed because of the offence, the maximum sentence is a life sentence. [1] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impaired_driving_in_Canada#Sentencing https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impaired_driving_in_Canada#S...
- frosted-flakes 7y ago
  > officers should not get to stop me and shine a light around in my car Why not? Which of your rights are they infringing on by doing these routine checks? It's not like they're free to do anything they want. The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that during a RIDE check, they can only check for sobriety, and any other searches or questioning will result in the charge being dismissed (unless the evidence of a crime is in plain view, like a gun on the dashboard). Here's a great summary: R.I.D.E. stands for “Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere.” It is an Ontario sobriety program that was established in 1977 with the purpose of reducing the number of tragic accidents and injuries resulting from impaired driving. The R.I.D.E. program has a narrow and specific mandate, which is to detect and deter drunk drivers. Conversely, R.I.D.E cannot be a tool for arbitrarily detaining individuals without reasonable grounds and in violation of their rights under the Charter. In fact, there have been many instances of criminal proceedings where charges were dismissed because officers over-stepped their legal mandate in the course of administering a R.I.D.E. check. The R.I.D.E. program provides police officers with the legal right to perform planned roadside checks to identify and charge drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled in favour of R.I.D.E. as a justification for stopping and checking drivers. In this regard, R.I.D.E. is unique as it gives officers the right to briefly detain and question driver even if there are no grounds or probable cause for believing that a driver is over the legal blood alcohol limit, impaired or has committed any offence. However, while executing the R.I.D.E. program, police are not authorized to perform other criminal investigations or searches, unconnected with the purpose of R.I.D.E. There are many exceptions to this rule, for example, if illegal drugs or other contraband are in plain view in the vehicle. From https://www.kruselaw.ca/blogpost/the-ride-program-and-your-rights https://www.kruselaw.ca/blogpost/the-ride-program-and-your-r.... The whole page explains it all very clearly.

leetcrew 7y ago

I'm honestly not sure why this is considered acceptable. officers should not get to stop me and shine a light around in my car unless they have at least some reason to suspect that I am breaking the law. the fact that I'm leaving downtown on a holiday isn't enough.

TallGuyShort 7y ago
Especially considering how often DUI's are repeat offenders, there are plenty of chances to permanently revoke someone's driving privileges with due process. One recent "crackdown" in the law called for mandatory jail time only after the 4th offense. That's a ridiculous number of chances to give someone for something so selfish and reckless.
- frosted-flakes 7y ago
  Not in Ontario, where RIDE checks take place. Canada has quite strict impaired driving laws. Quoting Wikipedia[1], The minimum sentences are: For a first offence, a $1000 fine and a 12-month driving prohibition, For a second offence, 30 days of jail and a 24-month driving prohibition, and For a third or subsequent offence, 120 days of jail and a 36-month driving prohibition. If no one is hurt or killed, and the prosecutor is proceeding by summary conviction, the maximum sentence is 18 months of jail. If no one is hurt or killed, and the prosecutor is proceeding by indictment, the maximum sentence is 5 years of jail. If another person suffers bodily harm because of the offence, the maximum sentence is 10 years in jail. If another person is killed because of the offence, the maximum sentence is a life sentence. [1] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impaired_driving_in_Canada#Sentencing https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impaired_driving_in_Canada#S...
frosted-flakes 7y ago
> officers should not get to stop me and shine a light around in my car Why not? Which of your rights are they infringing on by doing these routine checks? It's not like they're free to do anything they want. The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that during a RIDE check, they can only check for sobriety, and any other searches or questioning will result in the charge being dismissed (unless the evidence of a crime is in plain view, like a gun on the dashboard). Here's a great summary: R.I.D.E. stands for “Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere.” It is an Ontario sobriety program that was established in 1977 with the purpose of reducing the number of tragic accidents and injuries resulting from impaired driving. The R.I.D.E. program has a narrow and specific mandate, which is to detect and deter drunk drivers. Conversely, R.I.D.E cannot be a tool for arbitrarily detaining individuals without reasonable grounds and in violation of their rights under the Charter. In fact, there have been many instances of criminal proceedings where charges were dismissed because officers over-stepped their legal mandate in the course of administering a R.I.D.E. check. The R.I.D.E. program provides police officers with the legal right to perform planned roadside checks to identify and charge drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled in favour of R.I.D.E. as a justification for stopping and checking drivers. In this regard, R.I.D.E. is unique as it gives officers the right to briefly detain and question driver even if there are no grounds or probable cause for believing that a driver is over the legal blood alcohol limit, impaired or has committed any offence. However, while executing the R.I.D.E. program, police are not authorized to perform other criminal investigations or searches, unconnected with the purpose of R.I.D.E. There are many exceptions to this rule, for example, if illegal drugs or other contraband are in plain view in the vehicle. From https://www.kruselaw.ca/blogpost/the-ride-program-and-your-rights https://www.kruselaw.ca/blogpost/the-ride-program-and-your-r.... The whole page explains it all very clearly.