Moving Past a Failed DOT Drug Test

Across all modes overseen by the Department of Transportation, DOT-mandated safety-sensitive employees must maintain a drug-free and alcohol-free working environment. Dangerous practices can put them, their coworkers, and the general public at risk. To maintain safety, the DOT created a drug and alcohol testing policy and a process for employees who have a failed DOT drug or alcohol test.

DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements

DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees from the following agencies are subject to drug and alcohol testing:

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
  • Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
  • Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
  • Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
  • United States Coast Guard (USCG)

DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees should expect testing throughout their employment. Tests are administered pre-employment, randomly, after serious accidents, for return-to-duty and for the purpose of follow-up testing. Since tests are given at random, some employees may be selected for testing several times in a single year. On the other hand, others may not be selected at all. Employers also have the right to require testing for an employee if they have shown signs of impairment at work. Please note: refusing to take part in a drug and/or alcohol test is considered equal to a failed DOT drug test.

How SAP Referral Services Can Help

Employees who have failed DOT drug and/or alcohol testing are immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties. Next, they are required to complete a return-to-duty process with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

SAP Referral Services (SRS) specializes in connecting employees with DOT-qualified SAPs. Our vast network of SAPs includes professionals across the nation. With over 3,000 locations we can likely recommend a SAP that is close to you. Additionally, we guarantee that the SAP is DOT-qualified at the time of your initial evaluation. SRS eliminates the risk that you’ll work with an unqualified SAP and have to repeat the process.

Don’t Let a Failed DOT Drug Test End Your Career

A failed DOT drug test is not the end of your career. If you act quickly, you can begin the return-to-duty process right away and be back at work in no time. SRS has helped over 25,000 employees in the return-to-duty process. Our FastTrack Enrollment program takes just two steps to register. You will be connected with a DOT-qualified SAP near to your area, usually within just 72 business hours. Fast action can show your employer you’re serious about your recovery. Click here for FastTrack Enrollment.

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.