No Refusal weekend kicks off in Hidalgo County

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — "No Refusal Weekend" in Hidalgo County has begun and law enforcement will use the opportunity to crack down on drunk drivers across Texas.

“No-Refusal” refers to a Texas policy allowing officers to check blood, if suspects refuse to take a breathalyzer test.

District Attorney Toribio "Terry" Palacios says this is also an opportunity to spread DWI awareness.

He described drinking and driving as an “epidemic” and is asking locals to cooperate. "We’ve got all these police officers, judges, medical personnel, ready to go draw your blood in case you are drinking and driving. This is an offense that can be prevented.”

No refusal weekend will remain in effect through the Labor Day weekend.