City of Austin

The Austin Police Department will enforce a “No-Refusal” initiative for Mardi Gras on Friday, February 17, Saturday, February 18, and Tuesday, February 21, 2012.  On all three days the initiative will start at 9 p.m. and end at 5 a.m. the following morning.

The DWI initiative is an effort to enforce DWI laws, keep the public safe, and to conduct blood search warrants on suspects who refuse to give a breath or blood specimen as required by law.  A high number of DWI arrests are made in Austin each year.  About 24% of last year’s traffic fatalities were alcohol related. 

The 82nd Legislature passed HB1199 which implemented a higher class of offense for those whose blood alcohol concentration is at or above .15. Those found to have a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or above will be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor which carries a maximum sentence of one year confinement in jail and a $4,000 fine for the first time offenders. This law goes into effect on September 1, 2011.

APD is focused on saving lives on the streets and highways of Austin and making   Austin roadways safe for everyone through education and enforcement. 

Mardi Gras “No Refusal” Initiative

Friday, Feb. 17, 2012

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012

9 p.m. to 5 a.m.    

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