Know the FMCSA DOT Drug Testing Rules

If you have recently failed a drug and/or alcohol test as an FMCSA mandated employee, you have some options to help you get you back to work quickly. It is important to understand all of the FMCSA DOT drug testing rules and regulations. These rules include mandatory testing for all DOT mandated employees. Due to the nature of your safety sensitive job, and the potential risk to public safety, the DOT requires mandatory testing at random and scheduled times. If you are a DOT mandated employee working for an FMCSA regulated company and have recently failed a drug and/or alcohol test you must follow the steps of the SAP program to return to duty.

Who Does the FMCSA DOT Drug Testing Rules Apply To?

An FMCSA regulated employee drives commercial trucks and buses that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL). If you are a commercial driver, you are required to follow CDL license requirements. Being a commercial driver is considered a safety-sensitive position and therefore makes you subject to the DOT mandated drug and/or alcohol testing.

Drivers may be tested after an accident, during random screening, for reasonable suspicion, or for pre-employment purposes. In the case of certain accidents, federal regulations require that you will be tested immediately to determine whether drugs or alcohol could have been a contributing factor to the cause of the incident.

Return to Duty Process for an FMCSA Mandated Employee

To return to duty, a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) must evaluate you and determine the appropriate treatment and/or education. The type of education and/or treatment you’ll be asked to complete is dependent on your evaluation with your chosen Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). SAPs are trained in DOT regulations and qualified to evaluate employees according to DOT guidelines. Once you’ve complied with the recommended care ,and have seen your SAP for a follow-up evaluation, you’ll be given the authorization to submit to a DOT return to duty test.

If you are an employee looking for a SAP in your area consider enrolling in SAP Referral Services’ (SRS) FastTrack Enrollment. This program will identify a SAP in your area and typically get you scheduled for an evaluation within 72 business hours of enrollment. Get back to work fast with SRS.

Find a SAP program in your area and enroll today.

SAP Referral Services (SRS) is the leading facilitator for mandated substance abuse evaluations. SRS maintains an extensive network of qualified providers in more than 3,000 locations nationwide for testing violations that originate from any of the DOT’s modes including FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, USCG and PHMSA, or a company’s internal drug and alcohol testing policy.