Alcohol, equal protection clause, return to duty, safety.

Russell Lockett, a commercial truck driver convicted of driving under the influence, appeals a lower court's ruling that limits him to non-commercial driving. Lockett contends the ruling constitutes a violation of the 14th Amendment because it denies him equal protection under the law.

The Circuit Court of Mecklenburg County granted Lockett limited driving rights. However, the court followed state statute that prohibits commercial driving by a anyone convicted of driving under the influence. Lockett now appeals.

Lockett loses. The Virginia Court of Appeals affirmed the ruling of the lower court. The court of appeals ruled the lower court correctly interpreted existing statutes.