South Carolina General Assembly
119th Session, 2011-2012

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Indicates New Matter

H. 4294

STATUS INFORMATION

General Bill
Sponsors: Reps. Harrison and Brady
Document Path: l:\council\bills\swb\6209cm11.docx
Companion/Similar bill(s): 746

Introduced in the House on May 26, 2011
Currently residing in the House Committee on Judiciary

Summary: DUI penalties revised

HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

     Date      Body   Action Description with journal page number
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   5/26/2011  House   Introduced and read first time (House Journal-page 57)
   5/26/2011  House   Referred to Committee on Judiciary 
                        (House Journal-page 57)
   4/18/2012  House   Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Brady

View the latest legislative information at the LPITS web site

VERSIONS OF THIS BILL

5/26/2011

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A BILL

TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-286, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SUSPENSION OF A DRIVER'S LICENSE TO A PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-ONE FOR HAVING AN UNLAWFUL ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION, SO AS TO REVISE THE PENALTIES TO INCLUDE REQUIRING AN OFFENDER WHO OPERATES A VEHICLE TO HAVE AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-400, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SUSPENSION OF A LICENSE, A LICENSE RENEWAL OR ITS RETURN, AND ISSUANCE OF A LICENSE THAT RESTRICTS THE DRIVER TO ONLY OPERATING A VEHICLE WITH AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE INSTALLED, SO AS TO REVISE THE DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENSION PERIOD FOR A PERSON WHO CHOOSES TO OR NOT TO HAVE AN INTERLOCK DEVICE INSTALLED ON HIS VEHICLE, TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS WHO CHOOSE NOT TO HAVE AN INTERLOCK DEVISE INSTALLED ON THEIR VEHICLES AFTER BEING CONVICTED OF CERTAIN DRIVING OFFENSES, AND TO REVISE THE PROCEDURE FOR A PERSON TO OBTAIN A LICENSE WHO DOES NOT OWN A VEHICLE; TO AMEND SECTION 56-1-1320, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF A PROVISIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE PROVISIONAL LICENSE MAY BE ISSUED AS LONG AS THE VEHICLE AUTHORIZED TO BE OPERATED HAS HAD AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVISE INSTALLED; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2941, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED FOR DRIVING A VEHICLE WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE LENGTH OF TIME AN INTERLOCK DEVICE MUST BE AFFIXED TO A VEHICLE FOR A FIRST OFFENSE, TO REVISE THE PENALTY FOR AN OFFENDER WHO HAS ACCUMULATED FOUR POINTS UNDER THE INTERLOCK DEVICE POINT SYSTEM, TO PROVIDE FOR THE USE OF FUNDS REMITTED TO THE INTERLOCK DEVICE FUND, TO REVISE THE FEES THAT MUST BE COLLECTED AND REMITTED TO THE INTERLOCK DEVICE FUND, TO REVISE THE FREQUENCY OF TIME IN WHICH AN OFFENDER MUST HAVE AN INTERLOCK DEVICE INSPECTED, AND TO PROVIDE THAT AN INTERLOCK DEVICE MUST CAPTURE A PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE OF A DRIVER AS HE OPERATES THE DEVICE; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2942, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE IMMOBILIZATION OF A PERSON'S VEHICLE UPON HIS CONVICTION OF AN ALCOHOL-RELATED DRIVING OFFENSE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AS LONG AS A PERSON HOLDS A VALID IGNITION INTERLOCK LICENSE, HE IS NOT REQUIRED TO SURRENDER HIS LICENSE PLATES AND VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2947, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE OFFENSE OF CHILD ENDANGERMENT, SO AS TO REVISE THE DATE WHEN A PERSON MAY ENROLL IN AN ALCOHOL AND DRUG SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM AND BE ISSUED A PROVISIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2950, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO A PERSON WHO OPERATES A MOTOR VEHICLE GIVING IMPLIED CONSENT TO CHEMICAL TESTS TO DETERMINE THE PRESENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS, SO AS TO REVISE THE PENALTY IMPOSED UPON A PERSON WHO REFUSES TO BE SUBJECTED TO A CHEMICAL TEST; TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2951, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE SUSPENSION OF A PERSON'S DRIVER'S LICENSE WHO REFUSES TO SUBMIT TO BE TESTED TO DETERMINE HIS ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION, SO AS TO LOWER THE ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION LEVEL THAT RESULTS IN A PERSON HAVING HIS LICENSE SUSPENDED, TO REVISE THE PERIOD OF TIME THAT A TEMPORARY ALCOHOL LICENSE REMAINS IN EFFECT, TO REVISE THE PERIOD OF TIME THAT A SUSPENSION OF A PERSON'S PRIVILEGE TO OPERATE A VEHICLE MUST REMAIN IN EFFECT WHEN AN ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE UPHOLDS A SUSPENSION, TO PROVIDE THAT A HOLDER OF A RESTRICTED DRIVER'S LICENSE MAY OPERATE ONLY A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE, AND TO REVISE THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS OF VARIOUS DRIVING OFFENSES; AND TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-2990, RELATING TO THE SUSPENSION OF A PERSON'S DRIVER'S LICENSE FOR A VIOLATION OF CERTAIN ALCOHOL AND DRUG RELATED DRIVING OFFENSES, SO AS TO REVISE THE PENALTIES, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THIS PROVISION APPLIES TO CERTAIN PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN ISSUED AN IGNITION INTERLOCK RESTRICTED LICENSE.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Section 56-1-286 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 201 of 2008, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-1-286.    (A)    The Department of Motor Vehicles must suspend the driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege of, or deny the issuance of a license or permit to a person under the age of twenty-one who drives a motor vehicle and has an alcohol concentration of two one-hundredths of one percent or more. In cases in which a law enforcement officer initiates suspension proceedings for a violation of this section, the officer has elected to pursue a violation of this section and is subsequently prohibited from prosecuting the person for a violation of Section 63-19-2440, 63-19-2450, 56-5-2930, or 56-5-2933, arising from the same incident.

(B)    A person under the age of twenty-one who drives a motor vehicle in this State is considered to have given consent to chemical tests of his breath or blood for the purpose of determining the presence of alcohol.

(C)    A law enforcement officer who has arrested a person under the age of twenty-one for a violation of Chapter 5 of this title (Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways), or any other traffic offense established by a political subdivision of this State, and has reasonable suspicion that the person under the age of twenty-one has consumed alcoholic beverages and driven a motor vehicle may order the testing of the person arrested to determine the person's alcohol concentration.

A law enforcement officer may detain and order the testing of a person to determine the person's alcohol concentration if the officer has reasonable suspicion that a motor vehicle is being driven by a person under the age of twenty-one who has consumed alcoholic beverages.

(D)    A test must be administered at the direction of the primary investigating law enforcement officer. At the direction of the officer, the person first must be offered a breath test to determine the person's alcohol concentration. If the person physically is unable to provide an acceptable breath sample because he has an injured mouth or is unconscious or dead, or for any other reason considered acceptable by licensed medical personnel, a blood sample may be taken. The breath test must be administered by a person trained and certified by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, pursuant to SLED policies. The primary investigating officer may administer the test. Blood samples must be obtained by physicians licensed by the State Board of Medical Examiners, registered nurses licensed by the State Board of Nursing, or other medical personnel trained to obtain these samples in a licensed medical facility. Blood samples must be obtained and handled in accordance with procedures approved by the division. The division shall administer the provisions of this subsection and shall promulgate regulations necessary to carry out its provisions. The costs of the tests administered at the direction of the officer must be paid from the general fund of the State. However, if the person is subsequently convicted of violating Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945, then, upon conviction, the person must pay twenty-five dollars for the costs of the tests. The twenty-five dollars must be placed by the Comptroller General into a special restricted account to be used by the State Law Enforcement Division to offset the costs of administration of the breath testing devices, breath testing site video program, and toxicology laboratory.

The person tested or giving samples for testing may have a qualified person of his choice conduct additional tests at the person's expense and must be notified in writing of that right. A person's request or failure to request additional blood tests is not admissible against the person in any proceeding. The failure or inability of the person tested to obtain additional tests does not preclude the admission of evidence relating to the tests or samples taken at the direction of the officer. The officer must provide affirmative assistance to the person to contact a qualified person to conduct and obtain additional tests. Affirmative assistance shall, at a minimum, include providing transportation for the person to the nearest medical facility which provides blood tests to determine a person's alcohol concentration. If the medical facility obtains the blood sample but refuses or fails to test the blood to determine the person's alcohol concentration, SLED must test the blood and provide the result to the person and to the officer. Failure to provide affirmative assistance upon request to obtain additional tests bars the admissibility of the breath test result in any judicial or administrative proceeding.

(E)    A qualified person and his employer who obtain samples or administer the tests or assist in obtaining samples or administering of tests at the direction of the primary investigating officer are immune from civil and criminal liability unless the obtaining of samples or the administering of tests is performed in a negligent, reckless, or fraudulent manner. A person may not be required by the officer ordering the tests to obtain or take any sample of blood or urine.

(F)    If a person refuses upon the request of the primary investigating officer to submit to chemical tests as provided in subsection (C), the department must suspend his license, permit, or any nonresident operating privilege, or deny the issuance of a license or permit to him for:

(1)    six months or thirty days to be followed by six months with an ignition interlock restricted license; or

(2)    one year or forty-five days to be followed by one year with an interlock restricted license, if the person, within the five years preceding the violation of this section, has been previously convicted of violating Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945 or any other law of this State or another state that prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or another drug or has had a previous suspension imposed pursuant to Section 56-1-286, 56-5-2950, or 56-5-2951.

(G)    If a person submits to a chemical test and the test result indicates an alcohol concentration of two one-hundredths of one percent or more, the department must suspend his license, permit, or any nonresident operating privilege, or deny the issuance of a license or permit to him for:

(1)    three months thirty days followed by at least six continuous months with an ignition interlock restricted license; or

(2)    six months, forty-five days followed by at least one continuous year with an ignition interlock route restricted license limiting the driver to traveling to and from work, school, or an alcohol treatment program. The ignition interlock device must be installed on each motor vehicle owned, or operated, or both by the person. if If the person, within the five years preceding the violation of this section, has been previously convicted of violating Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945 or any other law of this State or another state that prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other drug or has had a previous suspension imposed pursuant to Section 56-1-286, 56-5-2950, or 56-5-2951.

(H)    A person's driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege must be restored when the person's period of suspension under subsection (F) or (G) has concluded, even if the person has not yet completed the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program in which he is enrolled. After the person's driving privilege is restored, he must continue to participate in the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program in which he is enrolled. If the person withdraws from or in any way stops making satisfactory progress toward the completion of the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program, the person's license must be suspended until he completes the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program. A person must be attending or have completed an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program pursuant to Section 56-5-2990 before his driving privilege can be restored at the conclusion of the suspension period.

(I)    A test may not be administered or samples taken unless, upon activation of the video recording equipment and prior to the commencement of the testing procedure, the person has been given a written copy of and verbally informed that:

(1)    he does not have to take the test or give the samples but that his privilege to drive must be suspended or denied for at least six months or thirty days with six months with an ignition interlock restricted license if he refuses to submit to the tests and that his refusal may be used against him in court;

(2)    his privilege to drive must be suspended for at least three months forty-five days to be followed by one year with an ignition interlock restricted license, if he takes the test or gives the samples and has an alcohol concentration of two one-hundredths of one percent or more;

(3)    he has the right to have a qualified person of his own choosing conduct additional independent tests at his expense;

(4)    he has the right to request an administrative hearing within thirty days of the issuance of the notice of suspension; and

(5)    he must enroll in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program within thirty days of the issuance of the notice of suspension if he does not request an administrative hearing or within thirty days of the issuance of notice that the suspension has been upheld at the administrative hearing.

The primary investigating officer must notify promptly the department of the refusal of a person to submit to a test requested pursuant to this section as well as the test result of any person who submits to a test pursuant to this section and registers an alcohol concentration of two one-hundredths of one percent or more. The notification must be in a manner prescribed by the department.

(J)    If the test registers an alcohol concentration of two one-hundredths of one percent or more or if the person refuses to be tested, the primary investigating officer must issue a notice of suspension, and the suspension is effective beginning on the date of the alleged violation of this section. The person, within thirty days of the issuance of the notice of suspension, must enroll in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program pursuant to Section 56-5-2990 if he does not request an administrative hearing. If the person does not request an administrative hearing and does not enroll in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program within thirty days, the suspension remains in effect, and a temporary alcohol license must not be issued. If the person drives a motor vehicle during the period of suspension without a temporary alcohol license, the person must be penalized for driving while his license is suspended pursuant to Section 56-1-460.

(K)    Within thirty days of the issuance of the notice of suspension for a violation of Section 56-1-286(F)(1), the person may:

(1)    obtain a temporary alcohol license by filing with the department a form for this purpose. A one-hundred-dollar fee must be assessed for obtaining a temporary alcohol license. Twenty-five dollars of the fee must be retained by the Department of Public Safety for supplying and maintaining all necessary vehicle videotaping equipment. The remaining seventy-five dollars must be placed by the Comptroller General into a special restricted account to be used by the Department of Motor Vehicles to defray its expenses. The temporary alcohol license allows the person to drive a motor vehicle with an ignition interlock device installed as approved by the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services without any restrictive conditions, except as contained in Section 56-1-286(F)(2), pending the outcome of the administrative hearing provided for in this section or the final decision or disposition of the matter; and

(2)    Within thirty days of the issuance of the notice of suspension for violation of Section 56-1-286(F)(2) or Section 56-1-286(G)(2), the person shall obtain a temporary alcohol license by filing with the department a form for this purpose. The temporary alcohol license allows the person to drive a motor vehicle with an ignition interlock device installed as approved by the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services without any restrictive conditions except as contained in Section 56-1-286(F)(2) pending the outcome of the administrative hearing provided for in this section or the final decision or disposition of the matter; and

(3)    request an administrative hearing.

At the administrative hearing if:

(a)    the suspension is upheld, the person must enroll in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program and his driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege must be suspended or the person must be denied the issuance of a license or permit for the remainder of the suspension periods provided for in subsections (F) and (G); or

(b)    the suspension is overturned, the person must have his driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege reinstated.

(L)    The periods of suspension provided for in subsections (F) and (G) begin on the day the notice of suspension is issued, or at the expiration of any other suspensions, and continue until the person applies for a temporary alcohol license and requests an administrative hearing.

(M)    If a person does not request an administrative hearing, he shall have waived his right to the hearing and his suspension must not be stayed but shall continue for the periods provided for in subsections (F) and (G).

(N)    The notice of suspension must advise the person of the requirement to enroll in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program and of his right to obtain a temporary alcohol license and to request an administrative hearing. The notice of suspension also must advise the person that, if he does not request an administrative hearing within thirty days of the issuance of the notice of suspension, he must enroll in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program, and he waives his right to the administrative hearing, and the suspension continues for the periods provided for in subsections (F) and (G).

(O)    An administrative hearing must be held after the request for the hearing is received by the Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings. The scope of the hearing is limited to whether the person:

(1)    was lawfully arrested or detained;

(2)    was given a written copy of and verbally informed of the rights enumerated in subsection (I);

(3)    refused to submit to a test pursuant to this section; or

(4)    consented to taking a test pursuant to this section, and the:

(a)    reported alcohol concentration at the time of testing was two one-hundredths of one percent or more;

(b)    individual who administered the test or took samples was qualified pursuant to this section;

(c)    test administered and samples taken were conducted pursuant to this section; and

(d)    the machine was operating properly.

Nothing in this section prohibits the introduction of evidence at the administrative hearing on the issue of the accuracy of the breath test result.

A written order must be issued to all parties either reversing or upholding the suspension of the person's license, permit, or nonresident's operating privilege, or denying the issuance of a license or permit. If the suspension is upheld, the person must receive credit for the number of days his license was suspended before he received a temporary alcohol license and requested the administrative hearing.

(P)    An administrative hearing is a contested proceeding under the Administrative Procedures Act, and a person has a right to appeal the decision of the hearing officer pursuant to that act to the Administrative Law Court in accordance with its appellate rules. The filing of an appeal shall stay the suspension until a final decision is issued.

(Q)    A person who is unconscious or otherwise in a condition rendering him incapable of refusal is considered to be informed and not to have withdrawn the consent provided for in subsection (B) of this section.

(R)    When a nonresident's privilege to drive a motor vehicle in this State has been suspended under the procedures of this section, the department shall give written notice of the action taken to the motor vehicle administrator of the state of the person's residence and of any state in which he has a license or permit.

(S)    A person required to submit to a test must be provided with a written report including the time of arrest, the time of the tests, and the results of the tests before any proceeding in which the results of the tests are used as evidence. A person who obtains additional tests shall furnish a copy of the time, method, and results of any additional tests to the officer before any trial, hearing, or other proceeding in which the person attempts to use the results of the additional tests as evidence.

(T)    A person whose driver's license or permit is suspended under this section is not required to file proof of financial responsibility.

(U)    The department shall administer the provisions of this section, not including subsection (D), and shall promulgate regulations necessary to carry out its provisions.

(V)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no suspension imposed pursuant to this section is counted as a demerit or result in any insurance penalty for automobile insurance purposes if at the time he was stopped, the person whose license is suspended had an alcohol concentration that was less than eight one-hundredths of one percent."

SECTION    2.    Section 56-1-400 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 285 of 2008, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-1-400.    (A)    The Department of Motor Vehicles, upon suspending or revoking a license, shall require that such license shall be surrendered to the Department of Motor Vehicles. At the end of the period of suspension, other than suspension for reckless driving, driving under the influence of intoxicants, or pursuant to the point system such license so surrendered shall be returned to the licensee, or in the discretion of the Department of Motor Vehicles, a new license issued to him. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall not return nor restore a license which has been suspended for reckless driving, driving under the influence of intoxicants, or for violations under the point system until the person has filed an application for a new license, submitted to an examination as upon an original application, and has satisfied the Department of Motor Vehicles, after an investigation of the character, habits, and driving ability of the person, that it would be safe to grant him the privilege of driving a motor vehicle on the public highways. Provided, the Department of Motor Vehicles, in its discretion, where the suspension is for violation under the point system may waive such examination, application, and investigation. A record of suspension shall be endorsed on the license returned to the licensee, or the new license issued to the licensee, showing grounds of such suspension. In the case of a license suspended for driving under the influence of intoxicants, the restriction on the license returned to the licensee, or the new license issued to the licensee, must conspicuously identify the licensee as a person who may only drive a motor vehicle with an ignition interlock device installed and the restriction must be maintained on the license for the duration of the period for which the ignition interlock device must be maintained pursuant to Section 56-5-2941. Unless the person establishes that he is entitled to the exemption set forth in subsection (B), no license containing an ignition interlock device restriction shall be issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles without written notification from the authorized ignition interlock service provider that the device has been installed and confirmed to be in working order. If a person chooses to not have an interlock device installed, the license will remain suspended for three years from the date the suspension for driving under the influence of intoxicants ends indefinitely. If during this three-year period the person decides to have the ignition interlock device installed, the device must be installed for the full suspension period or until the end of the three-year period, whichever comes first. If a person chooses to not have an interlock device installed for driving under the influence of intoxicants for an offense related to Section 56-1-286(F)(1), his license shall remain suspended for six months from the date of the suspension. If a person chooses to not have an interlock device installed for driving under the influence of intoxicants for an offense related to Section 56-1-286(G)(1), his license shall remain suspended for one year from the date of the suspension. If a person chooses to not have an interlock device installed for driving under the influence of intoxicants for an offense related to Section 56-1-286(F)(2) and Section 56-1-286(G)(2), his license shall remain suspended indefinitely. If during these suspension periods the person decides to have the ignition interlock device installed, the device must be installed for at least six months for an offense related to Section 56-1-286(F)(1), one year for an offense related to Section 56-1-286(F)(2), six months for an offense related to Section 56-1-286(G)(1), and at least one year for an offense related to Section 56-1-286(G)(2). This provision shall not affect nor bar the reckoning of prior offenses for reckless driving and driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs, as provided in Article 23 of, Chapter 5 of this title.

(B)    A person who does not own a vehicle, as shown in the Department of Motor Vehicles' records, who certifies that he cannot obtain a vehicle owner's permission to have an ignition interlock installed on a vehicle, and who certifies that he will not be driving any vehicle other than the one owned by his employer and that he will not own a vehicle during the interlock period, may petition the Department of Motor Vehicles, on a form provided by it, which must contain identifying information about the employer's noncommercial vehicles the person shall be operating, a statement that explains the circumstances which the person shall be operating the employer's vehicles, and the notarized signature of the person's employer for issuance of a license containing an ignition interlock device restriction, that permits the person to operate a vehicle specified by the employee according to the employer's needs as contained in the employer's statement during the days and hours specified in the employer's statement without having to show that an ignition interlock device has been installed. The determination of eligibility for this waiver is subject to periodic review at the discretion of the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Department of Motor Vehicles must revoke a license issued pursuant to this exemption if it determines that the person has been driving a vehicle other than the one owned by his employer. The person may seek relief from the Department of Motor Vehicle's determination by filing a request for a contested case hearing with the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act and the rules of procedure for the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings.

(C)    Any person whose license has been suspended or revoked for an offense within the jurisdiction of the court of general sessions shall provide the Department of Motor Vehicles with proof that the fine owed by the person has been paid before the Department of Motor Vehicles may return or issue the person a license. Proof that the fine has been paid may be a receipt from the clerk of court of the county in which the conviction occurred stating that the fine has been paid in full."

SECTION    3.    Section 56-1-1320(A) of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"(A)    A person with a South Carolina driver's license, a person who had a South Carolina driver's license at the time of the offense referenced below, or a person exempted from the licensing requirements by Section 56-1-30, who is or has been convicted of a first offense violation of an ordinance of a municipality, or law of this State, that prohibits a person from operating a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, drugs, or narcotics, including Section 56-5-2930 and Section 56-5-2933, and whose license is not presently suspended for any other reason, may apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain a provisional driver's license of a design to be determined by the department to operate a motor vehicle as long as the vehicle has had an ignition interlock device installed by a vendor certified by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. The person shall enter an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program as provided for in Section 56-1-1330, shall furnish proof of responsibility as provided for in Section 56-1-1350, and shall pay to the department a fee of one hundred dollars for the provisional driver's license. The provisional driver's license is not valid for more than six months from the date of issue shown on the license. The determination of whether or not a provisional driver's license may be issued pursuant to the provisions of this article as well as reviews of cancellations or suspensions under Sections 56-1-370 and 56-1-820 must be made by the director of the department or his designee."

SECTION    4.    Section 56-5-2941 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 285 of 2008, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-5-2941.    (A)    Except as otherwise provided in this section, in addition to the penalties required and authorized to be imposed against a person violating the provisions of Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945, or violating the provisions of another law of any other state that prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, the Department of Motor Vehicles must require the person, if he is a subsequent offender and a resident of this State, to have installed on any motor vehicle the person drives an ignition interlock device designed to prevent driving of the motor vehicle if the person has consumed alcoholic beverages. The Department of Motor Vehicles may waive the requirements of this section if it finds that the offender has a medical condition that makes him incapable of properly operating the installed device.

The length of time that an interlock device is required to be affixed to a motor vehicle following the completion of a period of license suspension imposed on the offender is six months for a first offense, two years for a second offense, three years for a third offense, and the remainder of the offender's life for a fourth or subsequent offense. Notwithstanding the pleadings, for purposes of a second or a subsequent offense, the specified length of time that an interlock device is required to be affixed to a motor vehicle is based on the Department of Motor Vehicle's records for offenses pursuant to Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945.

(B)    If a person who is a subsequent an offender and a resident of this State is convicted of violating the provisions of a law of any other state that prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, and, as a result of the conviction, the person is subject to an ignition interlock device requirement in the other state, the person is subject to the requirements of this section for the length of time that would have been required for an offense committed in South Carolina, or for the length of time that is required by the other state, whichever is longer.

(C)    If a person from another state becomes a resident of South Carolina while subject to an ignition interlock device requirement in another state, the person may only obtain a South Carolina driver's license if the person enrolls in the South Carolina ignition interlock device program pursuant to this section. The person is subject to the requirements of this section for the length of time that would have been required for an offense committed in South Carolina, or for the length of time that is required by the other state, whichever is longer.

(D)    The offender shall be subject to an Interlock Device Point System managed by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. An offender receiving a total of two points will have their length of time that the interlock device is required extended by two months. An offender receiving a total of three points will have their length of time that the interlock device is required extended by four months and must submit to a substance abuse assessment pursuant to Section 56-5-2990 and successfully complete the plan of education and treatment, or both, as recommended by the certified substance abuse program. Should the individual not complete the recommended plan, or not make progress toward completing the plan, the Department of Motor Vehicles must suspend the individual's driver's license until the plan is completed or progress is being made toward completing the plan. An offender receiving a total of four points shall have their his license suspended for a period of one year ninety days and submit to a substance abuse assessment pursuant to Section 56-5-2990 and be in compliance with or successfully complete the plan of education and treatment, or both, as recommended by the certified substance abuse program. Completion of the plan is mandatory as a condition of reinstatement of the person's driving privileges. The Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services is responsible for notifying the Department of Motor Vehicles of an individual's completion and compliance with education and treatment programs.

(E)    The cost of the interlock device must be borne by the offender. However, if the offender believes he is indigent and cannot afford the cost of the ignition interlock device, the offender may submit an affidavit of indigency to the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services for a determination of indigency as it pertains to the cost of the ignition interlock device. The affidavit of indigency form must be made publicly accessible on the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services' Internet web site. If the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services determines that the offender is indigent as it pertains to the ignition interlock device, it may authorize an interlock device to be affixed to the motor vehicle and the cost of the installation and use of the ignition interlock device to be paid for by the Interlock Device Fund managed by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. Funds remitted to the department for the Interlock Device Fund may be used to support the Ignition Interlock Device Program. For purposes of this section, a person is indigent if the person is financially unable to afford the cost of the ignition interlock device. In making a determination whether a person is indigent, all factors concerning the person's financial conditions should be considered including, but not limited to, income, debts, assets, number of dependants claimed for tax purposes, living expenses, and family situation. A presumption that the person is indigent is created if the person's net family income is less than or equal to the poverty guidelines established and revised annually by the United States Department of Health and Human Services published in the Federal Register. 'Net income' means gross income minus deductions required by law. The determination of indigency is subject to periodic review at the discretion of the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.

(F)    The ignition interlock service provider must collect and remit monthly to the Interlock Device Fund a fee as determined by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services not to exceed three hundred sixty thirty dollars per year month for each year month the person is required to drive a vehicle with an ignition interlock device. Any ignition interlock service provider failing to properly remit funds to the Interlock Device Fund may be decertified as an ignition interlock service provider by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. If a service provider is decertified for failing to remit funds to the Interlock Device Fund, the cost for removal and replacement of an ignition interlock device must be borne by the service provider.

(G)    The offender must have the interlock device inspected every sixty thirty days to verify that the device is affixed to the motor vehicle and properly operating, and to allow for the preparation of an interlock device inspection report by the service provider indicating the offender's alcohol content at each attempt to start and running re-test retest during each sixty thirty-day period. Only a service provider authorized by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services to perform inspections on interlock devices may conduct inspections. The service provider immediately must report any devices that fail inspection to the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. The report must contain the name of the offender, identify the vehicle upon which the failed device is installed and the reason for the failed inspection, and indicate the offender's alcohol content at each attempt to start and running re-test retest during each sixty thirty-day period. Failure of the offender to have the interlock device inspected every sixty thirty days will result in one interlock device point. Upon review of the interlock device inspection report, if the report reflects that the offender attempted to start the motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of two one-hundredths of one percent or more, the offender is assessed one-half interlock device point. Upon review of the interlock device inspection report, if the report reflects that the offender violated a running re-test retest by having an alcohol concentration between two one-hundredths of one percent and less than four one-hundredths of one percent, the offender is assessed one-half interlock device point. Upon review of the interlock device inspection report, if the report reflects that the offender violated a running re-test retest by having an alcohol concentration between four one-hundredths of one percent and less than fifteen one-hundredths of one percent, the offender is assessed one interlock device point. Upon review of the interlock device inspection report, if the report reflects that the offender violated a running re-test retest by having an alcohol concentration above fifteen one-hundredths of one percent, the offender is assessed two interlock device points. Upon review of the interlock device inspection report, if the report reflects that the offender has failed to complete a running retest, the offender must be assessed one interlock device point. An individual may appeal any interlock device points received to an administrative hearing officer with the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services through a process established by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. The administrative hearing officer's decision on appeal shall be final and no appeal from such decision shall be allowed.

(H)    Ten years from the date of the person's last conviction and every five years thereafter a fourth or subsequent offender whose license has been reinstated pursuant to Section 56-1-385 may apply to the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services for removal of the ignition interlock device and the removal of the restriction from his driver's license. The Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services may, for good cause shown, remove the device and remove the restriction from the offender's license.

(I)    Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful for a person issued a driver's license with an ignition interlock restriction to drive a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a properly operating, certified ignition interlock device. A person who violates this section must be punished in the manner provided by law.

(J)    An offender that is required in the course and scope of his employment to drive a motor vehicle owned by the offender's employer may drive his employer's motor vehicle without installation of an ignition interlock device, provided that the offender's use of the employer's motor vehicle is solely for the employer's business purposes. This subsection does not apply to an offender who is self-employed or to an offender who is employed by a business owned in whole or in part by the offender or a member of the offender's household or immediate family unless during the defense of a criminal charge, the court finds that the vehicle's ownership by the business serves a legitimate business purpose and that titling and registration of the vehicle by the business was not done to circumvent the intent of this section.

The person's employer must complete a form provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles that indicates the employer's need to have the person operate the employer's noncommercial vehicle without a functioning ignition interlock device in the course and scope of his employment. Prior to being submitted to the department, the statement must contain the notarized signature of the person's employer. The person must have a copy with him whenever he operates the employer's vehicle pursuant to this subsection.

(K)    It is unlawful for a person to tamper with or disable, or attempt to tamper with or disable, an ignition interlock device installed on a motor vehicle pursuant to this section. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

(L)    It is unlawful for a person to knowingly rent, lease, or otherwise provide an offender with a motor vehicle without a properly operating, certified ignition interlock device. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

(M)    It is unlawful for an offender to solicit or request another person, or for a person to solicit or request another person on behalf of an offender, to engage an ignition interlock device to start a motor vehicle with a device installed pursuant to this section. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

(N)    It is unlawful for another person to engage an ignition interlock device to start a motor vehicle with a device installed pursuant to this section. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

(O)    Only ignition interlock devices certified by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services may be used to fulfill the requirements of this section.

(1)    The Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services must certify whether a device meets the accuracy requirements and specifications provided in guidelines or regulations adopted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as amended from time to time. All devices certified to be used in South Carolina must be set to prohibit the starting of a motor vehicle when an alcohol concentration of two one-hundredths of one percent or more is measured and all running re-tests retests must record violations of an alcohol concentration of two one-hundredths of one percent or more and must capture a photographic image of the driver as he operated the ignition interlock device.

(2)    The Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services shall maintain a current list of certified devices and their manufacturers. The list must be updated at least quarterly. If a particular certified device fails to continue to meet federal requirements, the device must be decertified, may not be used until it is compliant with federal requirements, and must be replaced with a device that meets federal requirements. The cost for removal and replacement must be borne by the manufacturer of the noncertified device.

(3)    Only ignition interlock installers certified by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services may install and service ignition interlock devices required pursuant to this section. The Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services shall maintain a current list of vendors that are certified to install the devices.

(P)    In addition to availability under the Freedom of Information Act, any Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services policy concerning ignition interlock devices must be made publicly accessible on the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Service's Internet web site.

(Q)    The Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services shall develop policies including, but not limited to, the certification, use, maintenance, and operation of ignition interlock devices and the Interlock Device Fund."

SECTION    5.    Section 56-5-2942(D) of the 1976 Code, is amended to read:

"(D)    Upon notification by a court in this State or by any other state of a conviction for a second or subsequent violation of Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945, the department must require the person convicted to surrender all license plates and vehicle registrations subject to immobilization pursuant to this section. The immobilization is for a period of thirty days to take place during the driver's license suspension pursuant to a conviction for a second or subsequent violation of Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945. As long as a convicted person is the holder of a valid ignition interlock license, he is exempt from the requirement to surrender all license plates and vehicle registrations. The department must maintain a record of all vehicles immobilized pursuant to this section."

SECTION    6.    Section 56-5-2947(D) of the 1976 Code, is amended to read:

"(D)    In addition to imposing the penalties for offenses enumerated in subsection (A)(1) and the penalties contained in subsection (B), the Department of Motor Vehicles must suspend the person's driver's license for sixty days. Sections 56-1-1320 and 56-5-2990 as they relate to enrollment in an alcohol and drug safety action program and to the issuance of a provisional driver's license will not be effective until the sixty-day suspension period is completed."

SECTION    7.    Section 56-5-2950(B)(1) of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 201 of 2008, is further amended to read:

"(1)    he does not have to take the test or give the samples, but that his privilege to drive must be suspended or denied for at least six months, or thirty days to be followed by six months with an ignition interlock restricted license, if he refuses to submit to the test and that his refusal may be used against him in court;"

SECTION    8.    Section 56-5-2951 of the 1976 Code, as last amended by Act 201 of 2008, is further amended to read:

"Section 56-5-2951.    (A)    The Department of Motor Vehicles must suspend the driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege of or deny the issuance of a license or permit to a person who drives a motor vehicle and refuses to submit to a test provided for in Section 56-5-2950 or has an alcohol concentration of fifteen eight one-hundredths of one percent or more. The arresting officer must issue a notice of suspension which is effective beginning on the date of the alleged violation of Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945.

(B)    Within thirty days of the issuance of the notice of suspension, the person may:

(1)    obtain a temporary alcohol license by filing with the Department of Motor Vehicles a form for this purpose. A one hundred dollar fee must be assessed for obtaining a temporary alcohol license. Twenty-five dollars of the fee must be retained by the Department of Public Safety for supplying and maintaining all necessary vehicle videotaping equipment. The remaining seventy-five dollars must be placed by the Comptroller General into a special restricted account to be used by the Department of Motor Vehicles to defray its expenses. The temporary alcohol license allows the person to drive a motor vehicle with an ignition interlock device installed as approved by the Department of probation, Parole and Pardon Services without any restrictive conditions pending the outcome of the administrative hearing provided for in subsection (F) or the final decision or disposition of the matter. If the suspension is upheld at the administrative hearing, the temporary alcohol license remains in effect. until the Department of Motor Vehicles issues the hearing officer's decision and sends notice to the person that he is eligible to receive a restricted license pursuant to subsection (H); and

(2)    request an administrative hearing.

At the administrative hearing if:

(a)(1)    the suspension is upheld, the person's driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege must be remain suspended or the person must be denied the issuance of a license or permit for the remainder of the suspension period provided for in subsection (I). Within thirty days of the issuance of the notice that the suspension has been upheld, the person must enroll in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program pursuant to Section 56-5-2990;

(b)(2)    the suspension is overturned, the person must have his driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege reinstated.

The provisions of this subsection do not affect the trial for a violation of Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945.

(C)    The period of suspension provided for in subsection (I) begins on the day the notice of suspension is issued, or at the expiration of any other suspensions, and continues until the person applies for a temporary alcohol license and requests an administrative hearing.

(D)    If a person does not request an administrative hearing, he waives his right to the hearing, and his suspension must not be stayed but continues for the period provided for in subsection (I).

(E)    The notice of suspension must advise the person of his right to obtain a temporary alcohol driver's license and to request an administrative hearing. The notice of suspension also must advise the person that, if he does not request an administrative hearing within thirty days of the issuance of the notice of suspension, he waives his right to the administrative hearing, and the suspension continues for the period provided for in subsection (I). The notice of suspension must also advise the person that if the suspension is upheld at the administrative hearing or if he does not request an administrative hearing, he must enroll in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program.

(F)    An administrative hearing must be held after the request for the hearing is received by the Division of Motor Vehicle Hearings. The scope of the hearing is limited to whether the person:

(1)    was lawfully arrested or detained;

(2)    was given a written copy of and verbally informed of the rights enumerated in Section 56-5-2950;

(3)    refused to submit to a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950; or

(4)    consented to taking a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950, and the:

(a)    reported alcohol concentration at the time of testing was fifteen one-hundredths of one percent or more;

(b)    individual who administered the test or took samples was qualified pursuant to Section 56-5-2950;

(c)    tests administered and samples obtained were conducted pursuant to Section 56-5-2950; and

(d)    machine was working properly.

Nothing in this section prohibits the introduction of evidence at the administrative hearing on the issue of the accuracy of the breath test result.

A written order must be issued to all parties either reversing or upholding the suspension of the person's license, permit, or nonresident's operating privilege, or denying the issuance of a license or permit. If the suspension is upheld, the person must receive credit for the number of days his license was suspended before he received a temporary alcohol license and requested the administrative hearing.

(G)    An administrative hearing is a contested case proceeding under the Administrative Procedures Act, and a person has a right to appeal the decision of the hearing officer pursuant to that act to the Administrative Law Court in accordance with its appellate rules. The filing of an appeal stays the suspension until a final decision is issued on appeal.

(H)(1)    If the suspension is upheld at the administrative hearing, the person must enroll in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program pursuant to Section 56-5-2990 and may apply for a restricted license if he is employed or enrolled in a college or university. The restricted license permits him to drive only a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device that has been installed by a ignition interlock installer certified by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services to and from work and his place of education and in the course of his employment or education during the period of suspension. The restricted license also permits him to drive to and from the Alcohol Drug Safety Action Program classes or to a court-ordered drug program. The department may issue the restricted license only upon showing by the individual that he is employed or enrolled in a college or university, that he lives further than one mile from his place of employment, place of education, or location of his Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program classes, or the location of his court-ordered drug program, and that there is no adequate public transportation between his residence and his place of employment, his place of education, the location of his Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program classes, or the location of his court-ordered drug program.

(2)    If the department issues a restricted license, it must designate reasonable restrictions on the times during which and routes on which the individual may drive a motor vehicle. A change in the employment hours, place of employment, status as a student, status of attendance of Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program classes, status of attendance of his court-ordered drug program, or residence must be reported immediately to the department by the licensee.

(3)    The fee for a restricted license is one hundred dollars, but no additional fee may be charged because of changes in the place and hours of employment, education, or residence. Twenty dollars of this fee must be deposited in the state general fund, and eighty dollars must be placed by the Comptroller General into a special restricted account to be used by the Department of Motor Vehicles to defray the expenses of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(4)    Driving a motor vehicle outside the time limits and route imposed by a restricted license by the person issued that license is a violation of Section 56-1-460.

(I)(1)    The period of a driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege suspension for, or denial of issuance of a license or permit to, an arrested person who has no previous convictions for violating Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945, or any other law of this State or another state that prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other drug within the ten years preceding a violation of this section, and who has had no previous suspension imposed pursuant to Section 56-5-2950 or 56-5-2951 within the ten years preceding a violation of this section is:

(a)    six months or thirty days followed by six months with an ignition interlock restricted license for a person who refuses to submit to a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950; or

(b)    one month thirty days followed by one year with an ignition interlock restricted license for a person who takes a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950 and has an alcohol concentration of fifteen eight one-hundredths of one percent (.08) or more.

(2)    The period of a driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege suspension for, or denial of issuance of a license or permit to, an arrested person who has been convicted previously for violating Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945, or any other law of this State or another state that prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other drug within the ten years preceding a violation of this section, or who has had a previous suspension imposed pursuant to Section 56-5-2950 or 56-5-2951 within the ten years preceding a violation of this section is:

(a)    for a second offense, nine months, or forty-five days followed by one year of ignition interlock, if he refuses to submit to a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950, or two months thirty days followed by twelve months with an ignition interlock restricted license, if he takes a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950 and has an alcohol concentration of fifteen eight one-hundredths of one percent (.08) or more;

(b)    for a third offense, twelve months if he refuses to submit to a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950 or three months, or sixty days followed by twelve months with an ignition interlock restricted license, if he takes a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950 and has an alcohol concentration of fifteen eight one-hundredths of one percent (.08) or more; and

(c)    for a fourth or subsequent offense, fifteen months if he refuses to submit to a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950 or four months, or ninety days followed by twelve months with an ignition interlock restricted license, if he takes a test pursuant to Section 56-5-2950 and has an alcohol concentration of fifteen eight one-hundredths of one percent (.08) or more.

(J)    A person's driver's license, permit, or nonresident operating privilege must be restored when the person's period of suspension under subsection (I) has concluded, even if the person has not yet completed the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program in which he is enrolled. After the person's driving privilege is restored, he must continue the services of the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program in which he is enrolled. If the person withdraws from or in any way stops making satisfactory progress toward the completion of the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program, the person's license must be suspended until the completion of the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program. A person must be attending or have completed an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program pursuant to Section 56-5-2990 before his driving privilege can be restored at the conclusion of the suspension period.

(K)    When a nonresident's privilege to drive a motor vehicle in this State has been suspended under the provisions of this section, the department must give written notice of the action taken to the motor vehicle administrator of the state of the person's residence and of any state in which he has a license or permit.

(L)    The department must not suspend the privilege to drive of a person under the age of twenty-one pursuant to Section 56-1-286 if the person's privilege to drive has been suspended under this section arising from the same incident.

(M)    A person whose driver's license or permit is suspended pursuant to this section is not required to file proof of financial responsibility.

(N)    An insurer may not increase premiums on, add surcharges to, or cancel the automobile insurance of a person charged with a violation of Section 56-1-286, 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or 56-5-2945, or another law of this State or another state that prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other drug based solely on the violation unless he is convicted of the violation.

(O)    The department must administer the provisions of this section and must promulgate regulations necessary to carry out its provisions.

(P)    If a person does not request an administrative hearing within the thirty-day period as authorized pursuant to this section, the person may file with the department a form after enrolling in a certified Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program to apply for a restricted license. The restricted license permits him to drive only to and from work and his place of education and in the course of his employment or education during the period of suspension. The restricted license also permits him to drive to and from Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program classes or a court-ordered drug program. The department may issue the restricted license at any time following the suspension upon a showing by the individual that an ignition interlock device has been installed by an ignition interlock installer certified by the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services and that he is employed or enrolled in a college or university, that he lives further than one mile from his place of employment, place of education, the location of his Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program classes, or the location of his court-ordered drug program, and that there is no adequate public transportation between his residence and his place of employment, his place of education, the location of his Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program classes, or the location of his court-ordered drug program. The department must designate reasonable restrictions on the times during which and routes on which the individual may drive a motor vehicle. A change in the employment hours, place of employment, status as a student, status of attendance of Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program classes, status of his court-ordered drug program, or residence must be reported immediately to the department by the licensee. The route restrictions, requirements, and fees imposed by the department for the issuance of the restricted license issued pursuant to this item are the same as those provided in this section had the person requested an administrative hearing. A restricted license is valid until the person successfully completes a certified Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program, unless the person fails to complete or make satisfactory progress to complete the program."

SECTION    9.    Section 56-5-2990 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-5-2990.    (A)    The Department of Motor Vehicles shall suspend the driver's license of a person who is convicted, receives sentence upon a plea of guilty or of nolo contendere, or forfeits bail posted for a violation of Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or for the violation of another law or ordinance of this State or of a municipality of this State that prohibits a person from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, drugs, or narcotics for six months one year or thirty days and at least six months with an ignition interlock restricted license for the first conviction, plea of guilty or of nolo contendere, or forfeiture of bail; one year forty-five days and two years with an ignition interlock restricted license for the second conviction, plea of guilty or of nolo contendere, or forfeiture of bail; two years forty-five days and three years with an interlock restricted license for the third conviction, plea of guilty or of nolo contendere, or forfeiture of bail; and a permanent revocation of the driver's license for the fourth or subsequent conviction, plea of guilty or of nolo contendere, or forfeiture of bail. Only those violations which occurred within ten years including and immediately preceding the date of the last violation shall constitute prior violations within the meaning of this section. However, if the third conviction occurs within five years from the date of the first offense, then the department shall suspend the driver's license for four years. A person whose license is revoked following conviction for a fourth offense as provided in this section is forever barred from being issued any license by the Department of Motor Vehicles to operate a motor vehicle except as provided in Section 56-1-385.

(B)    A person whose license is suspended or who has been issued an ignition interlock restricted license under the provisions of this section, Section 56-1-286, or Section 56-5-2951 must be notified by the department of the suspension and of the requirement to enroll in and successfully complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program certified by the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services. A person who must complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program as a condition of reinstatement of his driving privileges or a court-ordered drug program may use the route restricted or special restricted driver's license to attend the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program classes or court-ordered drug program in addition to the other permitted uses of a route restricted driver's license or a special restricted driver's license. An assessment of the extent and nature of the alcohol and drug abuse problem, if any, of the applicant must be prepared and a plan of education or treatment, or both, must be developed for the applicant. Entry into and successful completion of the services, if the services are necessary, recommended in the plan of education or treatment, or both, developed for the applicant is a mandatory requirement of the restoration of driving privileges to the applicant whose license is suspended pursuant to this section. The Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program shall determine if the applicant has successfully completed the services. Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Programs shall meet at least once a month. The person whose license is suspended, or who has been issued an ignition interlock restricted license, must attend the first Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program available after the date of enrollment.

(C)    The Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services shall determine the cost of services provided by each certified Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program. Each applicant shall bear the cost of services recommended in the applicant's plan of education or treatment. The cost may not exceed five hundred dollars for education services, two thousand dollars for treatment services, and two thousand five hundred dollars in total for all services. No applicant may be denied services due to an inability to pay. Inability to pay for services may not be used as a factor in determining if the applicant has successfully completed services. An applicant who is unable to pay for services shall perform fifty hours of community service as arranged by the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program, which may use the completion of this community service as a factor in determining if the applicant has successfully completed services. The Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services will report annually to the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee on the number of first and multiple offenders completing the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program, the amount of fees collected and expenses incurred by each Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program, and the number of community service hours performed in lieu of payment.

(D)    If the applicant has not successfully completed the services as directed by the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program within one year of enrollment, a hearing must be provided by the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program whose decision is appealable to the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services. If the applicant is unsuccessful in the Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program, the Department of Motor Vehicles may restore the privilege to drive a motor vehicle upon the recommendation of the Medical Advisory Board as utilized by the department if it determines public safety and welfare of the petitioner may not be endangered.

(E)    The Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services shall develop procedures necessary for the communication of information pertaining to relicensing, or otherwise. These procedures must be consistent with the confidentiality laws of the State and the United States. If the drivers license of any person is suspended by authority of this section, no insurance company may refuse to issue insurance to cover the remaining members of his family, but the insurance company is not liable for any actions of the person whose license has been suspended or who has voluntarily turned his license in to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(F)    Except as provided for in Section 56-1-365(D) and (E), the driver's license suspension periods under this section begin on the date the person is convicted, receives sentence upon a plea of guilty or of nolo contendere, or forfeits bail posted for the violation of Section 56-5-2930, 56-5-2933, or for the violation of any other law of this State or ordinance of a county or municipality of this State that prohibits a person from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, drugs, or narcotics; however, a person is not prohibited from filing a notice of appeal and receiving a certificate which entitles him to operate a motor vehicle for a period of sixty days after the conviction, plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or bail forfeiture pursuant to Section 56-1-365(F)."

SECTION    10.    The repeal or amendment by this act of any law, whether temporary or permanent or civil or criminal, does not affect pending actions, rights, duties, or liabilities founded thereon, or alter, discharge, release or extinguish any penalty, forfeiture, or liability incurred under the repealed or amended law, unless the repealed or amended provision shall so expressly provide. After the effective date of this act, all laws repealed or amended by this act must be taken and treated as remaining in full force and effect for the purpose of sustaining any pending or vested right, civil action, special proceeding, criminal prosecution, or appeal existing as of the effective date of this act, and for the enforcement of rights, duties, penalties, forfeitures, and liabilities as they stood under the repealed or amended laws.

SECTION    11.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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This web page was last updated on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 10:25 A.M.