Cedar Park Police Labor Day 'No Refusal' Period Starts 19 Days Before Actual Holiday

CEDAR PARK, TX — Police will be enforcing a "no refusal" initiative in arresting drunk drivers leading up to next month's Labor Day holiday beginning this Friday, according to local law enforcement officials.

Even though Labor Day is 19 days away, police on Wednesday said they would kick off their bolstered hoiday-related enforcement period in looking for drunk drivers this Friday, Aug. 18. A "no refusal" period of enforcement means cops can obtain immediate bench warrants from magistrates to forcefully draw blood among those detained who refuse to voluntarily submit to intoxication tests such as via a breathalyzer.

It's part of the ongoing, regional Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). The effort runs from Aug. 18 to Sunday, Sept. 3.

"We encourage everyone to make the most of the remainder of summer by choosing to driver sober or designating a sober driver,” Cedar Park Assistant Chief Michael Harmon said in a prepared statement. "It is important to consider the potential consequences of impaired driving including the very real possibility that a driver could end someone else’s life because of their irresponsible decision to get behind the wheel.”

The unofficial mantra offered by police related to drunk driving: "Start this autumn without a fall. Drive sober. "

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