No Refusal Weekends have become more common across the country, especially during holidays and major events when police expect a rise in impaired driving. But how do they change normal DUI procedures, and what should you do if you’re arrested during one of these initiatives?
This guide explains the purpose of these enforcement periods, how they work, and what “no refusal” really means. To learn more, continue reading.
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), our Illinois driver’s license reinstatement lawyers can help restore your driving privileges after a license suspension.
What Are DUI No Refusal Weekends?
On a No Refusal Weekend, Illinois law enforcement agencies designate a specific time frame during which judges are on call to issue warrants for chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) of suspected impaired drivers. Often, this is on a holiday or high-risk weekend.
The goal is to prevent refusals of chemical testing from blocking access to evidence of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels or drug impairment.
The Purpose of No Refusal Weekends
The main goal of No Refusal Weekends is to deter drunk driving, increase accountability, and reduce alcohol-related crashes. They help ensure that law enforcement can obtain tests to determine impairment and legally admissible evidence.
When They Are Used
These operations are not constant statewide; they are adopted at the discretion of individual counties or agencies. As stated above, agencies typically enforce these rules when DUI numbers historically increase, such as New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, and other high-risk times. Illinois DUI enforcement campaigns have emphasized increased patrols, checkpoints, and, in some areas, No Refusal-style initiatives during these periods.
What Does a “No Refusal” Weekend Mean for Drivers?
Despite the name, drivers technically can still refuse a breathalyzer test or a blood test. They can also refuse a field sobriety test. “No refusal” does not mean you lose the ability to decline testing. Instead, it means that if someone refuses a chemical test, law enforcement officers are prepared to obtain a warrant immediately.
Here’s how it works:
- During No Refusal Weekends, a judge is on standby.
- If a driver refuses a chemical test, the police officer can submit a warrant request right away.
- A judge can electronically approve a warrant authorizing a blood draw.
- Medical personnel then collect the blood sample, even if the driver initially refused.
In summary, refusing a test does not delay or stop law enforcement from obtaining the evidence they want. This streamlined process is the key element that differentiates these enforcement weekends from others.
Penalties for Refusing a Chemical Test (Normal Days vs. No Refusal Weekends)
Illinois is an implied consent state. That means every driver automatically agrees to chemical testing when lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing to submit has serious consequences regardless of whether it’s a No Refusal Weekend.
Refusing chemical testing results in an automatic statutory summary suspension in Illinois. On normal driving days, it usually takes a while for law enforcement to get a warrant for testing.
On No Refusal Weekends, you still face a license suspension if you refuse DUI testing. However, police will be able to obtain the chemical test evidence through a warrant much more quickly than they would normally.
When To Call a License Reinstatement Lawyer
A DUI arrest, especially during a No Refusal Weekend, can result in a long license suspension and serious fines. If your license is suspended or revoked, working with an experienced driver’s license reinstatement attorney can help you move forward.
At Johnson & Goldrich, P.C., we help drivers:
- Understand their statutory summary suspension
- Prepare for Secretary of State hearings
- Gather documents and evidence needed for reinstatement
- Avoid mistakes that could delay getting driving privileges back
- Navigate both informal and formal hearings
- Speed up the reinstatement process by ensuring everything is properly prepared the first time around
If you were arrested during a No Refusal Weekend or have questions about getting your license back after a DUI charge, contact Johnson & Goldrich, P.C. Our team can guide you through the reinstatement process and help you take the right steps to get back on the road as soon as possible.