Smoking ban has Ohio truckers fuming

The Ohio Trucking Association intends to request the state's legislators to exempt truck drivers from a smoking ban voters approved in November. This measure, which took effect December 7, affects smoking in all public places and work places, though the Ohio Department of Health has yet to complete guidelines for enforcement.

According to Tracy Sabetta, head of the SmokeFree Ohio campaign, a truck-driving provision was added to protect employees in vehicles that more than one driver use. Company vehicles, including truck cabs, can no longer have ashtrays and must display non-smoking signs.

The new law doesn't pertain to interstate truckers or owner-operators. Also exempt are family-owned and operated trucks if drivers are related to the owner.

Sabetta said enforcement would be mostly based on complaints.