OTTAWA – Several snowmobilers were not thinking about family over the weekend as the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) targeted the snowmobile trails and found a handful of operators not following the rules of the road.

“The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Marine, Dive and Trails Unit snowmobiles were out on local trails throughout the Family Day long weekend, doing routine stops and RIDE checkpoints,” the OPS released in a statement today (Feb. 16).

From Friday to Monday (Feb. 12 to Feb. 15), the OPS conducted 265 stops, resulting in 22 charges, 28 warnings and four roadside demands. Most of the charges were under the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act. One person was ticketed for trespassing.

“Given the number of people stopped, we saw that most snowmobilers are compliant,” OPS Marine Dive and Trails Unit acting sergeant Walt Lushman said. “We want to remind snowmobilers to carry the proper documentation and stay on the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Trails.”

Ottawa police continue to warn snowmobilers to be cautious driving on frozen bodies of water, where snow, currents and temperatures can affect ice thickness and safety.

“There’s still plenty of time in the snowmobiling season to have fun, but always make safety your priority,” Lushman said.