NASHVILLE AP) -- Tennessee law enforcement will be using the new "no refusal" law over the weekend before New Year's Eve that allows police to get blood samples of suspected drunken drivers.

Previously drivers in Tennessee could refuse a blood alcohol content test but faced losing their licenses for violating what's known as the "implied consent" law. The law passed this year allows police to seek search warrants for blood samples. Police have held "no refusal" enforcement periods during several holidays this year.

Sixteen counties across the state will participate in the enforcement period that begins at 6 p.m. Friday and ends at midnight Tuesday.

Five people died in vehicle-related accidents last year during the New Year's Eve holiday in Tennessee.