Court Opinion

ID: 9775468
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 18:59:49.414329+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:32:26.525436
License: Public Domain

ON MOTION FOR REHEARING
DPS suggests that our decision in this case frustrates the public policy of removing drunk drivers from Texas highways. That will happen only if DPS wants it to happen. The Legislature has established a clear and simple procedure for suspending licenses of suspected drunk drivers. If DPS follows that procedure, it can suspend the license. If it does not, it cannot. If we allow DPS to stroll through the statute, calling “shall” directory here and mandatory there as it suits its purpose, then the rule of law is meaningless. We are going to interpret the statute as it was written by the Legislature, unless instructed otherwise by the Supreme Court.
The substantive arguments advanced by DPS in its motion were fully considered and rejected on original submission. We are not persuaded that we erred. The motion for rehearing is overruled.