What Happens If You Refuse a Breathalyzer in Texas? 

A flashing red-and-blue light in your rearview mirror can be nerve-wracking, especially if an officer suspects you of driving while intoxicated (DWI). One of the first things they may ask is for you to take a breathalyzer test. But what happens if you say no? 

Maybe you’ve heard the advice before, “Never blow!” as if saying no will somehow protect you from a DWI charge. Unfortunately, that’s one of the biggest misconceptions out there. 

Here’s the truth: refusing a breathalyzer in Texas can actually make your situation worse. 

 Texas Implied Consent Law 

When you get a Texas driver’s license, you automatically agree to the state’s implied consent law. This means that by driving on Texas roads, you consent to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) if you’re lawfully arrested for suspected DWI. 

Refusing a breath test doesn’t get you “off the hook.” Instead, it triggers administrative penalties and can complicate your case. 
 

What Really Happens When You Refuse 

Here’s what most people don’t realize happens after you say no: 

• The officer will confiscate your physical license and issue a temporary driving permit, valid for about 40 days. You’ll already be facing a 180-day suspension for a first-time refusal (or up to two years if you’ve refused before). 

• You only have 15 days to fight it. You must request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing within 15 days of your arrest. Miss that window, and your suspension automatically takes effect. 

• The officer can still get a warrant. Even if you refuse, law enforcement can obtain a warrant for a blood draw and then you’ll face both a suspension and incriminating test results. 

In other words, you could end up worse off than if you had taken the breath test in the first place. 

Why Refusal Doesn’t Protect You 

Refusing a breathalyzer doesn’t stop a DWI charge. It doesn’t stop an arrest. It doesn’t even stop the prosecutor from using your refusal against you in court. 

Prosecutors often argue that refusing the test shows you were trying to hide your intoxication. Juries don’t love that look. Meanwhile, your license is suspended, your car may be impounded, and your defense just became more complicated. 

Is Refusing Ever the Right Choice? 

Every situation is different. Refusing a test may sometimes limit the state’s evidence, but it also guarantees a license suspension and doesn’t necessarily prevent a DWI charge. That’s why it’s critical to have a skilled criminal defense attorney review your case and advise you on the best defense strategy. 

What You Should Do Instead 

If you’re stopped for suspected DWI in Bryan, College Station, or anywhere in the Brazos Valley: 

1. Be respectful and calm. 
2. Follow lawful instructions. 
3. If you’re arrested, ask for an attorney immediately. 
4. Request an ALR hearing right away to fight your license suspension. 

Most importantly, don’t try to navigate this alone. The DWI process moves fast, and having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference between a suspension and a dismissal. 

The Bottom Line 

Refusing a breathalyzer in Texas isn’t a “get out of jail free card.” It carries automatic penalties, can affect your court case, and may still lead to a DWI conviction. 

If you or someone you know has been charged with DWI in Bryan, College Station, or anywhere in the Brazos Valley, don’t wait. The clock starts ticking immediately after an arrest, and protecting your license and your future requires fast action. 

👉 Contact Spiegelhauer Law today to discuss your case and fight back against DWI charges in the Brazos Valley.