“No Refusal” Initiative for New Year’s Eve Weekend

The Southlake Police Department is again participating in Tarrant County’s “No Refusal” campaign through 5:30 a.m. Saturday, January 2, 2016. Thanks to a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program or STEP grant, additional Southlake Police Officers will be working to keep our community safe from drunk drivers. Officers will follow the same protocol for DWI’s that they normally follow on their daily and evening shifts.

Any driver arrested for DWI, who refuses to take a breath or blood test, will face having their blood drawn once officers seek a search warrant from a judge.

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated with a 0.08 BAC (blood or breath alcohol concentration) and may be arrested and charged with DWI. However, a person is also intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC.

Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, you can be fined up to $500 for having an open alcohol container in a vehicle.

The penalties increase if you are arrested for DWI with a child passenger, cause bodily injury or death to another person.  Besides an arrest for driving while intoxicated, you can also face charges for child endangerment, intoxication assault, or intoxication manslaughter.

The consequences of drinking and driving are severe. The loss of life is tragic for everyone involved. In addition to jail time, drivers who are arrested for driving while intoxicated can face fines, fees, and associated costs of up to $17,000.

The Southlake Police Department is urging everyone to be safe during New Year’s Eve weekend. If you plan to drink, please plan ahead by arranging to have a designated driver bring you home or arrange for a taxi to pick you up.

Don’t risk getting a DWI conviction.

Play it safe by remembering a few simple tips.

  Don’t drink and drive.

• Plan ahead and designate a driver.
• Contact SoberRides.org
• Call a cab, or a sober friend.
• If you are at a family member’s or a friend’s home and can stay the night – stay where you are.

Southlake Police Officers want you to arrive home safely. For more information http://www.txdot.gov/safety/tips/intoxication.htm