The Supreme Court of South Carolina

I find that clarification concerning the prompt and uniform transmission and certification, or 'signing off', of Uniform Traffic Tickets in magistrates and municipal courts would promote judicial efficiency and protect the constitutional rights and privileges of defendants.

Therefore, pursuant to Article V, Section 4, South Carolina Constitution,

IT IS ORDERED that all law enforcement officers shall deliver and all magistrates and municipal judges shall accept the trial officer's copy of Uniform Traffic Tickets within seventy-two (72) hours from the date of an alleged traffic violation. At the time Uniform Traffic Tickets are received from Highway Patrol officers, magistrates and municipal judges shall also accept any monies posted with those officers as bond.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all Uniform Traffic Tickets shall be certified, or"signed off', at the time of disposition of the case, but, if circumstances warrant, no later than within forty-eight (48) hours of disposition of the case.

Feb 8, 2002
Columbia, South Carolina