From 9 p.m. on Feb. 7 through 5 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 8, 2010 the Austin Police Department will enforce a "No Refusal" initiative. During this time frame, warrants for a blood draw will be immediately issued for those suspected of driving while intoxicated who refuse to use the breathalyzer. Currently these drivers are taken to a local hospital to have their blood drawn. The Travis County Sheriff's department and Austin Police Department are trying to work out a deal to have the phlebotomists work out of the jail to improve efficiency.

Recent "No-Refusal" initiatives resulted in 48 arrests during Halloween of 2009 and 24 arrests during New Year's Eve 2010.

Austin Police insists that it is focused on saving lives and making Austin roadways safe for everyone, but the "No Refusal" initiative is very controversial. There are many people who believe that this type of program violates our constitutional right and goes to far. However, those on the other side believe that these measures are needed to keep people from driving drunk.