DOT SAP Guidelines for FMCSA Mandated Employees

The Department of Transportation, along with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, requires anyone with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and their employers to follow strict rules for drug and alcohol testing. It’s everyone’s responsibility to understand and adhere to the DOT SAP guidelines at all times. Failure to do so can have dire personal and professional consequences. Here’s what you need to know to remain compliant.

DOT SAP Guidelines Keep the Public Safe

Drugs and alcohol impair a driver’s ability to react. They’re involved in 40% of all fatal crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Driving while under the influence is a serious crime in every city and state in the country.

Because of the associated risks, professional drivers are required to submit to drug and alcohol testing at key points in their careers. The regulations apply to anyone who operates a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) such as a truck or bus to transport property or passengers.

When and Why Employees Are Required to Submit to Testing

First, drug and alcohol tests are required to even qualify to apply for a CDL. Employers of DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees must administer tests as part of the pre-employment process. Additionally, testing is required in the event that an accident occurs while on the job. It is critical to determine if drugs or alcohol were involved. Employees need to be aware that random testing may also be administered throughout the year.

Failure or refusal of mandatory drug and/or alcohol testing leads to immediate employee suspension from safety-sensitive duties. Plus, it may involve employer fines and other civil and criminal consequences. Revenue is lost, as is reputation. Thankfully, it can be avoided (or at least mitigated) by completing a return-to-duty process.

SAP Referral Services Benefits Employees

SAP Referral Services provides comprehensive services for both employers and their employees who need to complete a DOT return-to-duty process. Whether you’re looking for a SAP in your area, or are an employer who is looking to partner with a service agent, we’ve got you covered.

Our professional staff works with employees and employers to ensure that you can get connected to qualified SAPs in your area.

Trust the Experts to Help with DOT SAP Guidelines

When you have questions about the latest DOT SAP guidelines, the experts at SAP Referral Services are here to help. We have a broad network of DOT qualified Substance Abuse Professionals. Our list includes experts and clinical specialists in over 3000 locations around the country. Best of all, every SAP on our list is guaranteed to be DOT qualified at the time of the initial evaluation. If you are an employee looking for a qualified SAP in your area, enroll in our FastTrack Enrollment 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.