ROT Rally Brings 40,000 Bikers, No-Refusal Weekend to Austin

Police are implementing a “no-refusal” weekend for Friday and Saturday because of Austin’s Republic of Texas Biker Rally, which is expected to bring 40,000 motorcyclists to the city. Both Austinites and bikers will be subject to the policy, which gives police an automatic warrant to draw blood from anyone who refuses a Breathalyzer test.

The policy was put in place after Austin saw three alcohol-related fatalities, all involving motorcycles, during the Rally last year. DWIs also spike during the ROT Rally, which usually leads to about 100 arrests for the ROT Rally weekend. The last time Austin police implemented a no-refusal policy was Memorial Day weekend. Those three days yielded about 50 arrests.

Austin police are also asking all drivers, whether on two wheels or four, to drive carefully this weekend. Extra traffic, an influx of visitors, and alcohol may create dangerous conditions on the road, making it even more critical to be aware of one’s surroundings.