The Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation in an attempt to halt a pilot program for random roadside drug and alcohol testing.
Four states, Utah, Nebraska, Minnesota, and New Jersey, are participating in this project. Utah and Nebraska are making the tests mandatory, while New Jersey and Minnesota are using less coercive programs.
The intent is to develop a program where truckers (at least for now) can be stopped, at any time or place, and ordered to produce a urine sample. A refusal in Utah means an automatic 24 hour out-of-service order. A refusal in Nebraska means a fine up to $500.00 and/or jail time up to 90 days.
The NMA has sent letters to the Governors of all four states stating our opposition to these pilot projects and the use of random mandatory drug and alcohol tests. We view the forcing of citizens to urinate or give blood at the command of any law enforcement official as degrading, abusive, and in violation of the most basic Constitutional protections.
The OOIDA suit was filed on December 22, 1992. Unfortunately, when it comes to drivers' or motorists' rights, the courts have a double standard that says people in vehicles have no rights.
Government excess doesn't get much more repugnant than forcing innocent people to urinate on demand while being observed through polarized sunglasses.
First it was pilots. Next it was anyone connected with the commercial aviation industry. Then it was bus, subway, and train operators. Now it is commercial truck drivers. Who's next? Teenagers, school teachers, or anyone using the Interstate highways?