As people prepare to celebrate Mardi Gras, the Austin Police Department has declared a "no-refusal" for Fat Tuesday.
During no-refusal actions, officers can obtain blood search warrants on suspects who refuse to willingly provide a breath sample or cooperate with a blood test. Another Mardi Gras no-refusal action was in place over the weekend, and APD said 18 people were arrested under the initiative.
No-refusal is an attempt to enforce driving while intoxicated laws. Earlier in February, APD declared no-refusal for Superbowl Sunday; 21 people were arrested. Drivers caught with a blood alcohol concentration level of .15 or higher face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine if convicted.
No-refusal will run from 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 until 5 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13.
