Austin police boost DWI enforcement ahead of Fourth of July

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin police will step up DWI enforcement each night through the Fourth of July holiday period as part of the department’s annual “Drive Sober, No Regrets” initiative, the Austin Police Department said.

The increased patrols, which include a “No Refusal” enforcement component, will run nightly from June 19 through July 6, APD said. Additional officers will be deployed to make traffic stops aimed at encouraging safe driving behavior during the holiday period.

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Under the No Refusal initiative, officers can seek search warrants for blood samples from DWI suspects who refuse to provide a breath or blood specimen, as required by law.

APD said the effort is part of a broader push with the Texas Department of Transportation and the City of Austin’s Transportation and Public Works Department to prevent deaths on the city’s streets, highways and waterways.

The department encouraged residents and visitors celebrating the holiday to plan for a sober ride home.