Officers test 'no refusal,' increase patrols for St. Patrick's weekend

ROANOKE COUNTY (WSLS 10) - The Roanoke County Police said officers will increase patrols and test a program new to the area called "no refusal" during the Saint Patrick's Day weekend. 

Roanoke County Police will become the first in the state to launch the new initiative to deter drinking and driving.

Recommended Videos



The "no refusal" program allows police to crackdown on suspected drunk drivers who refuse a breathalyzer test. 

Roanoke County police to enforce "no refusal" testing for drunk drivers

If someone is arrested for suspected drinking and driving, but refuses a breathalyzer test at the jail, a 24-7 magistrate will be immediately available for police to request a search warrant to draw blood.  

All an officer needs is probable cause. 

This is already in place for cases where there's a fatality, but during the week of Saint Patrick's Day, "no refusal" will be in place for everyone.  

DUI check points will be set up throughout Roanoke County and City, as well as extra patrols all weekend.

Officers will also patrol major roads and highways, looking for drivers going over the speed limit. 

The point is for everyone to have a safe holiday weekend.