If a subject refuses to provide a sample and has not started blowing, what should the operator do?

When a subject refuses to provide a sample and has not started blowing, the correct action is to tap the refused button twice. This procedure properly documents the subject’s refusal to participate in the breath test process. Tapping the refused button twice indicates that the refusal is acknowledged in accordance with protocol, ensuring that the situation is accurately recorded in the system.

This action is crucial because it preserves the integrity of the testing process and provides a clear record of the refusal, which may be important for subsequent legal proceedings or discussions regarding the case. It also helps to maintain compliance with operational procedures mandated for breath testing devices. Other options—such as encouraging the subject to blow or starting the test over—do not fulfill the necessary protocol for handling a refusal, and tapping the refused button once does not adequately document the situation as required.