Oregon Trucking Associations along with AAA Oregon/Idaho, Oregon Columbia Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, Property Casualty Insurers Association of America; Redmond Heavy Hauling, Inc. and Gordon Wood Insurance & Financial Services, Inc., Property Casualty Insurers Association of America and National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies have filed a lawsuit against the ODOT and Administrative Services (DAS) in response to a 450 percent increase in the fee for a DMV driving record.
This action first came under review during the 2011 legislative session when DAS introduced HB 2064, which would have given the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) authority to sell the records to DAS and in turn allow DAS to sell the same record again. Proceeds from the DAS sale of DMV records would have funded website and electronic commerce services to numerous state agencies. HB 2064 did not pass.
Following the 2011 legislative session, the Department of Justice advised the two departments that they did not need legislative authorization to pursue this action. With this advice in hand, the departments moved forward to implement the new program.
Today, a DMV driving record can be purchased for $2.00. The new ODOT/DAS program increases the price to $9.68. Automobile insurance companies use these records to determine who to insure and at what rate. Trucking companies are required to obtain DMV driving records on all truck drivers prior to hiring them and every year thereafter. This annual check of DMV records ensures that drivers remain qualified to operate commercial vehicles on Oregon highways.
“Oregon’s trucking industry is dedicated to a high level of safety and to keeping skilled drivers on the road,” commented OTA President Debra Dunn, “Beyond the substantial cost increase to access DMV records, the impact from this move will be far reaching and will affect all motorists on Oregon roads.”
Diverting these revenues to pay for websites and electronic commerce, previously maintained with general fund revenues, is at the heart of the lawsuit. As outlined in the Oregon Constitution, revenues from DMV driving records have historically been used for road construction and repairs. The Oregon Constitution requires that all revenues derived from taxes or fees on motor vehicle ownership or use are dedicated to roads. This program will divert over $5,000,000 per year from road improvements and other construction projects.
Steve Bates, Vice President, Redmond Heavy Hauling, Inc said, “If this money were used for roads instead of computer services for state government there would be fewer safety and capacity issues on our highways than we have today.” Redmond Heavy Hauling, Inc. transports large machines and other items used to construct and repair roads. The company has been serving Oregon shippers since 1950.
Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. (“OTA”) is a not-for-profit Oregon corporation with its principal place of business in Clackamas County doing business as the Oregon trucking industry’s trade association. OTA advocates for Oregon’s trucking industry by positively influencing laws and regulations, promoting public safety, enhancing the industry’s image and promoting a healthy business climate while continuing to reduce the trucking industry’s impact on the natural environment. OTA members have varying types of operations, including general commodities, sand and gravel, forest products, household goods, bulk, heavy haulers, warehouse, and local cartage. OTA members are part of the network of carriers that drive Oregon’s highways to deliver freight, including to the 77 percent of Oregon communities that depend solely on trucks for the delivery of goods. Trucks drive close to four billion miles a year on Oregon’s highways and bi-ways, delivering over 600,000 tons of manufactured goods each day.
For additional information, contact Debra Dunn, President, Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc at 503/513-0005 or toll free at 1-888/293-0005. Steve Bates may be reached at 503/285-3816, x100.
