Taylor v. South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles

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.