APD Revives No-Refusal for Drunk Driving on New Year's

If you plan to go out for drinks this New Year's Eve, arrange a designated driver, book a cab, or even ride a bike -- just don't drive. On Monday, Austin's police chief, Art Acevedo, announced that the APD will have a "no-refusal" policy when it comes to drinking and driving on New Year's Eve, which will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

This means if you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving and refuse to do a breath test, whether you like it or not, you will be taken to jail and your blood will be drawn by court order. The only time this policy has been used before was on Halloween, when 26 people had blood drawn (and all were over the legal limit).

The APD has also said that police will be patrolling all major streets in addition to many minor roads. So if you plan to drink, don't risk it -- saying no to the Breathalyzer won't help you this time.