Court Opinion

ID: 9883470
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-10-06 01:43:17.656094+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:48:16.836931
License: Public Domain

Justice BEATTY:
I respectfully dissent. Section 56-5-2950(a) of the South Carolina Code specifically states no tests may be administered or samples obtained unless the person has been informed in writing of certain provisions of the section. S.C.Code Ann. § 56-5-2950(a). It is undisputed that Taylor was not “informed in writing.” In my view, the Department of Motor Vehicles cannot suspend a driver’s license because driver refused to take a test that the law enforcement officer was not authorized to administer.
The South Carolina Legislature specifically set forth a precondition that must be met before any tests may be administered. Section 56-5-2950 is unambiguous and its meaning and intent are clear. The Court may not simply ignore it. I would reverse the decision of the Court of Appeals.
PLEICONES, J., concurs.