RGV DAs Launch “No Refusal” DWI Initiative for Holiday Season

Staff Report

EDINBURG, Texas — The Rio Grande Valley District Attorney Coalition (RGV DAC) has announced the implementation of a “No Refusal” DWI initiative aimed at reducing impaired driving during the holiday season. The initiative, a collaboration between the district attorneys of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties and law enforcement at all levels, will run from November 27, 2024, to January 2, 2025.

Under the program, drivers suspected of driving while intoxicated (DWI) who refuse a breathalyzer test will face court-ordered blood draws at medical facilities to ensure swift and lawful blood alcohol concentration (BAC) testing. The initiative targets impaired driving on major routes across the Rio Grande Valley, including Interstate 2, U.S. Highway 83, and U.S. Highway 281.

“Our message is simple: Stay safe! Never drink and drive,” the coalition said in a statement. District Attorney Luis V. Saenz of Cameron County emphasized the importance of community safety, saying, “We are dedicated to safeguarding our community and ensuring that everyone enjoys a safe holiday season.”

The “No Refusal” strategy, widely used across Texas during high-traffic periods, allows law enforcement to obtain immediate search warrants for BAC testing, enabling quicker enforcement of DWI laws. The initiative encompasses a population of over two million people in South Texas and aims to deter impaired driving through heightened patrols and rigorous enforcement.

Residents are urged to prioritize responsible choices this holiday season to help prevent alcohol-related accidents.

Source — Rio Grande Valley District Attorney Coalition.