New Law Forced 8 Drivers To Give Up Blood During DUI Stops Over Holiday Weekend

Press Release from the Tennessee Department of Safety; July 10, 2012: 

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced the results from the state’s first-ever “No Refusal” DUI enforcement effort which took place in five counties over the July Fourth holiday period. The campaign was a coordinated effort by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO), local district attorneys, and various local and state law enforcement agencies.

The “No Refusal” enforcement period started at 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 3, and ran through midnight, Sunday, July 8. This special enforcement was effective in selected counties where impaired driving and fatal crashes have increased this year, specifically, Anderson, Bradley, Davidson, Maury and Warren Counties.  State and local officials conducted sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols in those counties as well as in other parts of the state.

The “No Refusal” law, enacted this year by the General Assembly, allows law enforcement officials to seek search warrants for blood samples in cases involving suspected impaired drivers. Previously, a suspected impaired driver could refuse a blood alcohol content test and face charges of violating the implied consent law. This new law enables law enforcement to legally obtain blood samples by working with prosecutors and judges throughout the state during the warrant acquisition process.

The results for the “No Refusal” enforcement effort in each of the five counties are listed below:

Anderson County

DUI arrests: 4

Refusal to take BAC test/Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 1

Bradley County

DUI arrests: 8

Refusal to take BAC test/Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 0

Davidson County

DUI Arrests: 11

Refusal to take BAC test/Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 1

Maury County

DUI Arrests: 17

Refusal to take BAC test/Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 6

Warren County

DUI Arrests: 8

Refusal to take BAC test/Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 0

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public.  The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.