Over a dozen charges laid for not wearing seatbelts in long weekend blitz

Regional police are asking people to “prost” safely after the biggest weekend of K-W’s Oktoberfest resulted in over a dozen charges.

According to data shared by the force to CityNews Kitchener, about 1,500 vehicles were checked over a two-day period. Police conducted two programs throughout the region and charged several people, including 15 for not wearing a seatbelt properly.

In addition, one person was arrested for impaired driving, and one received a three-day suspension after having a blood alcohol level between 50 and 80 mg.

Staff Sgt. Scott Griffiths said the program has been well-received and the public seems to understand the importance. He participates in several R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) programs a year and always hears positive things from people.

“The short-term inconvenience for a very valuable activity,” Griffiths said.

On top of the checking, police are also out and about throughout the festival.

“We have been out in force on the weekends when the festhalls are open to do extra patrols,” he said in an interview. “We have an Oktoberfest policing unit that circulates the festhalls to ensure that people are enjoying themselves, but enjoying themselves responsibly.”

This weekend is the last for Oktoberfest 2025.

With files from CityNews Kitchener’s Erin Anderson.