Texas Border Business
Edinburg, TX – As the holiday season approaches, the Rio Grande Valley District Attorney Coalition (RGV DAC) is implementing a DWI “No Refusal” initiative to help curb drunk driving and ensure public safety throughout the season. This collaborative effort includes District Attorneys Toribio “Terry” Palacios of Hidalgo County,Luis V. Saenz of Cameron County, Gocha Allen Ramirez of Starr County, and Annette C. Hinojosa of Willacy County, working alongside local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
The “No Refusal” initiative will run from Wednesday, November 27, 2024 to Thursday, January 2, 2025. During this period, drivers suspected of DWI who refuse a breath test will be subject to a court-ordered blood draw at a medical facility, ensuring swift and lawful BAC testing. With increased holiday travel, the RGV DAC aims to deter impaired driving and reduce alcohol-related accidents by emphasizing responsible choices and heightened enforcement. “Our message is simple: Stay safe! Never drink and drive or get behind the wheel under the influence. Your life and the lives of others depend on it,” said the Coalition. District Attorney Luis V. Saenz added, “We are dedicated to safeguarding our community and ensuring that everyone enjoys a safe holiday season.”
About “No Refusal” – The DWI “No Refusal” initiative has been widely implemented across Texas during high-traffic holidays, allowing law enforcement to obtain immediate search warrants for BAC tests when drivers refuse a breathalyzer.
Implementation – The RGV DAC’s holiday initiative will encompass Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties, covering a unique area of South Texas along major routes such as Interstate 2, U.S. Highway 83, and U.S. Highway 281. With a combined population of over two million, the Rio Grande Valley will see heightened patrols and a united effort to enforce DWI laws. Stay safe this holiday season and make responsible choices.
| WHO: Rio Grande Valley District Attorney Coalition (RGV DAC) |
| WHAT: Press Conference Announcing Holiday Season DWI “No Refusal” Initiative from Wednesday, November 27 – Thursday, January 2, featuring Cameron County; Hidalgo County; Willacy County, and Starr County. |
| WHEN: Tuesday, November 26at 9 a.m. |
| WHERE: DPS Regional Office in Weslaco, Texas, at the corner of FM 1015 and Mile 9 |
