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Thompson v. Three Guys Furniture Co.5/7/1996
no distinction in meaning, nor a reason for one, between the words "authorize" and "permit." Indeed, the words as used here are synonymous. See American Heritage Dictionary 977 (New College Edition 1981) (defining "permit" as "to authorize"); Black's Law Dictionary 133 (6th ed. 1990); 7A C.J.S. Authorize 914 (defining "authorize" in part as "to permit"). To construe the statute as contended by plaintiff would result in the absurd consequence of a court attempting to distinguish whether a person "authorized" or "permitted" a person to use a vehicle. As we read it, G.S. § 20-34 makes it unlawful for one to permit or authorize a motor vehicle owned by him or under his control to be driven by a person when he knows the driver (1) has no legal right to do so or (2) is otherwise driving the vehicle in violation of any of the provisions of the Uniform Driver's License Act. Accordingly, we affirm the trial court's grant of summary judgment as to this issue.
The judgment of the trial court is affirmed in part, reversed in part and remanded for trial in accordance with this opinion.
Affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded.
Judges EAGLES and MARTIN, Mark D., concur.
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