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What is a DOT drug test?

DOT drug tests are federally regulated, conducted before employment, and randomly throughout the year. For safety-sensitive employers, it's also imperative to perform the DOT five-panel drug test under specific conditions: reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and follow-up testing.

Per the CFR Part 40 DOT regulations, every employer should conduct a DOT urine drug test for their employees and candidates. The drug test should be done in one of the labs listed under the HHS-certified labs under the National Laboratory Certification Program (NCLP). All our labs nationwide are HHS-certified

DOT Drug Test Requirements

DOT rule 49 CFR part 382 outlines the DOT drug test requirements and applies to all safety-sensitive employees and CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) drivers operating Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV).

As per the rule, every employer should conduct a 5-panel DOT drug test for the five major illegal drug metabolites.

1. Marijuana (THC)
2. Amphetamines
3. Cocaine (COC)
4. Phencyclidine (PCP)
5. Opioids

The DOT standard drug test is required in situations such as,

1. Pre-employment
2. Random
3. Reasonable suspicion
4. Post Accident
5. Return-To-Duty
6. Follow-Up Testing

DOT Industries that require DOT Drug Screening Test

Six main industries listed by the DOT are required to submit to DOT drug and alcohol testing, necessitating the services of certified DOT drug testers and DOT compliance drug testing programs.

1. Federal Aviation Administration
2. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
3. Federal Railroad Administration United States Coast Guard
4. United States Coast Guard
5. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
6. Federal Transit Administration

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) - Essential for Trucking Companies & Commercial Vehicle Safety

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), pivotal for trucking companies, plays a crucial role in regulating and overseeing commercial vehicle safety across the United States. This includes not only trucking firms but also other commercial vehicles involved in interstate commerce. The FMCSA is tasked with enforcing safety regulations, promoting safe operating standards, and reducing accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.

FMCSA's Key Functions and Impact on Trucking Companies:

• Establishing standards for commercial driver's licenses (CDL) and conducting compliance reviews.
• Enforcing safety regulations and hours-of-service rules to prevent driver fatigue.
• Implementing drug and alcohol testing programs as part of the DOT compliance.
• Overseeing the DOT Clearinghouse, which tracks drug and alcohol violations of CDL holders.
• Conducting safety audits, inspections, and educational programs for trucking companies.

The FMCSA's regulations and programs are vital for maintaining safety standards in the trucking industry, ensuring that trucking companies operate responsibly and contribute to safer roads for all.

Dealing with DOT drug screening violations

• If your employee fails a DOT random test, the employee should be removed from the safety-sensitive position and should report to the SAP (Substance Abuse Professional).
• The SAP will evaluate the employee and recommend a suitable program.
• The driver must pass the return-to-duty drug test and have a letter of recommendation from the SAP to resume their safety-sensitive job.
• The driver should also submit six unannounced follow-up drug test results in the first year after returning to duty.

DOT Clearinghouse Access and Function

The DOT Clearinghouse, officially known as the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, is an online database securely maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The primary purpose of the Clearinghouse is to centralize and store records of drug and alcohol violations committed by commercial driver's license (CDL) holders who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in the USA.

Employers, substance abuse professionals (SAPs), medical review officers (MROs), and other authorized parties can access the Clearinghouse to perform several essential tasks, including pre-employment queries, reporting drug and alcohol violations for CDL employees, reviewing the records of the drivers to ensure compliance, and monitoring employees who have tested positive for the drug and alcohol regulations.

US Health Testing: Your DOT Drug Testing Partner

With a track record of successfully testing over 1.3 million employees throughout the United States, US Health Testing stands as the go-to choice for dependable and compliant DOT drug testing services.

Our vast network of labs, backed by HHS certification, ensures accurate and reliable testing results, specifically tailored to meet the needs of the CDL and trucking industry. Trust US Health Testing for unparalleled expertise in maintaining safety and regulatory compliance in your transportation business.

Frequently Asked Questions