4th of July = No Refusal Weekend

AUSTIN - APD is instituting another "No Refusal Weekend" for the upcoming Independence holiday weekend. The program will occur from July 4th at 5pm to July 5th 5am.

According to police the program allows them to issue search warrants to suspected drivers who refuse a breathalyzer test.

"If you get arrested for driving under the influence and you refuse a chemical test we will write a search warrant and do a non-consentional test," Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo said. "It has been very successful.  We have shown that the reason people refuse is that they have something to hide."

Police will also be looking for aggressive drivers. This is part of their Tact program.

Chief Acevedo said people from the surrounding communities end up getting seriously killed or injured on their way home after drinking too much.

The program will occur all around the city and also includes highway enforcement.

"We want to keep people safe, and the bottom line is if you are going to drink don't drive," the chief said. "Use a designated driver or public transportation."