Austin Police Conduct July 4 'No Refusal' Initiative

AUSTIN, TX — Police officers will be out in full force on Austin roadways watching for impaired drivers over the 4th of July weekend, law enforcement officials said.

The Austin Police Department started conducting a so-called "No Refusal Initiative" on Thursday, meaning that even drivers unwilling to submit to sobriety tests will have their blood drawn to determine their level of intoxication. During times of celebration, police are able to request bench warrants from municipal judges at the ready, enabling them to draw blood samples to test for drunkeness.

The "no refusal"initiative runs through Sunday, July 5, and will run from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. each day during the operation.

"This initiative is an effort to enforce DWI laws, keep the public safe by encouraging drivers to make responsible decisions, and to apply for blood search warrants on suspects who refuse to provide a breath or blood specimen as required by law," police explained in an advisory. "APD is continuously focused on preventing fatalities on the streets and highways of Austin due to intoxicated drivers. The department is dedicated to making Austin safe for residents and visitors through education and enforcement."

Police added: "There is never an excuse to drink and drive! Plan a safe ride home."

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Public transportation is an option for July 4. To sweeten the pot, Capital Metro has waived fares after 5:30 p.m. "CapMetro will operate our current modified schedule on Independence Day, with one exception," officials wrote in an emailed advisory. "We will also offer fare-free service after 5 p.m."

In addition, CapMetro officials said the temporary Route 455 Leander/Lakeline Shuttle will not run on July 4. All other services will operate as normal under their current adjusted schedule, officials said. The annual waiving of fares previously was approved by the CapMetro board of directors, officials said.

The move is not intended to encourage more ridership this year, amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials noted. But if you find yourself tipsy amid revelry, it's good to have the public transportation option to get home safe.