2023 Random Testing Rates for DOT Employees

All employees that are considered DOT-mandated safety-sensitive employees are subject to random drug testing as part of their employment agreement. In order to see the 2023 random testing rates, you need to make sure you account for each DOT mode. Many people do not realize just how many transportation industries these include, as several DOT modes must follow federal regulations. These modes include:

  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
  • Federal Aviation Administration
  • Federal Railroad Administration
  • Federal Transit Administration
  • Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
  • USCG covered employees may be combined with DOT covered employees in drug testing pools even though the USCG is now part of the Department of Homeland Security

When Must Employees Be Drug-Tested?

DOT laws are very clear about when employees must be drug-tested. They must be tested following certain accidents that occur in the workplace or while in the field, upon hiring, due to reasonable suspicion, and at random intervals. Each industry and mode has its own random drug-testing rates, but all employees must agree to take random drug tests. If an employee does not take a random drug test, then it counts as an automatic fail, and they must complete the return to duty process.

2023 Random Testing Rates for Each DOT-Mandated Mode

Each DOT Mode has it is own 2023 random testing rates. The following are the random drug/alcohol testing rates for the current year. Employees in all of these fields may find themselves required to take a random drug or alcohol test respectively.

  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration = 50%/10%
  • Federal Aviation Administration = 25%/10%
  • Federal Railroad Administration = 25%/25% (Covered Service)
  • Federal Transit Administration = 50%/10%
  • Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration = 10%/N/A

What Happens if An Employee Fails a Random Test?

There are two ways that an employee can fail a random test. The test can be positive, or the employee can refuse to take the test. A refusal results in an automatic failure. Based on the 2023 Random Testing Rates, it is clear that there is a good chance an employee will be asked to submit to a random drug test at some point in their career. If an employee fails a test, they can complete the DOT-mandated return-to-duty process to get back in the workplace. This requires seeing a SAP professional, which SAP Referral Services can help you find quickly. Contact us today for more information.