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Aside from obeying the rules of the road yourself and being courteous and sharing the road with others, you can help make Ottawa roads safer by reporting traffic incidents to the Police.
We strongly encourage you to make all your traffic complaints using our easy and quick online reporting system.
If it's an emergency and needs immediate police response, please call 911 immediately.
Please be prepared to provide the following specific information:
Please note that if you do not have the correct licence plate number matching the vehicle description, there is a limit to the amount a police investigation can do.
Required information:
- Incident: Date, Time ( AM or PM), Location, Direction of Travel.
- Driver Information: Driver description (Male/Female, Age, Hair etc).
- Vehicle Information: Licence Plate (Number, Province), Vehicle (Year, Make, Model, Colour, Car/Truck/Bicycle/ Other (please specify), Any other features (i.e. trailer hitch, modified parts etc).
- Details of Incident
- Your Information: Name, Address, Phone (home, business, mobile), Date of Birth.
All traffic complaints are compiled in a database that is used by analysts to assist in strategic enforcement to effectively and efficiently improve public safety.
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Aggressive driving and disobedience of the rules of the road remain a top concern for Ottawa commuters.
Any person who witnesses a driving offence such as "aggressive driving", can call Ottawa Police. If the incident is in progress and if the driving is serious enough that other persons - whether motorists, cyclists or pedestrians are at risk, you can call 911.
If you call 911, you will be asked where the aggressive driving is occurring (i.e. name of road, direction of travel), a description of the driver and vehicle along with your name and phone number.
The car may be pulled over within a kilometre of the incident, but the driver at that time may be driving properly - following the rules of the road. The driver may be impaired, and officers will act accordingly. If you witnessed the offence - YOU ARE REQUIRED FOR COURT.
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How do I report an ongoing traffic concern in my area (for example a stop sign being ignored)?
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For traffic complaints such as a reoccurring traffic violation in your neighbourhood, we encourage you to file a report online. Reporting this information will help the Ottawa Police better allocate police resources. Data collected from reports will be used to better-direct resources towards proactive policing measures to enhance safety for road users city-wide.
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What do I need to know about making a traffic complaint?
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Related information:
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If you've received a Traffic Complaint warning letter in the mail, it's because a vehicle registered to you was observed committing a traffic violation.
This letter serves to bring the matter to your attention and to update you on driving issues relating to your vehicle. If you were not the person driving your vehicle at the time of the warning, please check in with those who have access to it.
If you receive two or more complaints within a given year, an officer will contact you to remedy traffic safety issues being cited in the letter(s).
It's our goal to reduce traffic accidents on our roads and improve road safety for all users. By working with our community partners, including Safer Roads Ottawa, we hope to eliminate traffic safety issues and enhance the lives of residents city-wide.
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Why am I receiving this traffic complaint warning letter?
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| We are writing to advise you that we have received a complaint involving your vehicle regarding the offence noted in the letter and that there is an associated report on file with Ottawa Police Service. Please note that the file has been concluded and there is no further investigation regarding this incident. |
| Who reported it? |
| The complaint can be made by a member of the community who observes a traffic offense. The name of the individual who reported the incident will not be released. |
| How do I know you have the right vehicle/owner? |
| The vehicle in question (plate number) indicates it is registered to the individual addressed in the letter. When the report was filed with Police, a description of the vehicle was obtained from the complainant/caller. The vehicle description on file matches what was provided at that time. |
| Will I receive a ticket? |
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This letter is NOT a ticket. You will not be receiving a fine or demerit points for this incident. The letter is to advise you of the complaint.
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Will this affect my insurance rates?
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This information will not be released to your insurance company without your consent.
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What if I wasn't the driver? Why am I still getting this letter?
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| The letter is addressed to you because at the time of the incident/offence, the vehicle was registered in your name. In the event that another person was operating your vehicle at that time, we ask you to bring this incident to their attention and ensure that they take corrective action to prevent occurrences in the future. |
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How long will this stay on my record?
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| The incident you are being advised of is captured on the Police database only. It is not on your driving record. However, if there is a subsequent complaint within the calendar year, an officer will be contacting you. |
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If the vehicle plate indicated in the letter is not mine, who should I report it to?
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| If the plate at one time was yours and you have sold or transferred the vehicle without retaining the plates, attend an MTO office and have the ownership removed from your name. |
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Who should I call regarding this letter?
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| No follow-up on your part is required. If you would like to speak with a member of the Ottawa Police Service regarding this matter, you can call 613-236-1222 ext. 5300. |
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