Did You Refuse a DOT Drug Test?

The DOT has a drug and alcohol testing program in place, designed to improve safety for all workers as well as the general public who might encounter the work environment. Part of this program includes specified and random testing for DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees. If you were selected for testing and chose to refuse a DOT drug test, please read on. There are special requirements that must be met before you can be considered for return to your duties.

DOT Drug Testing

Some examples of when the DOT requires drug and/or alcohol testing:

• Random Testing. Any employee who is currently performing or about to perform safety-sensitive functions is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing. These tests are to be administered equally across the board to all employees.
• Pre-Employment Testing. All employees must pass pre-employment testing prior to assuming their safety-sensitive duties. Some exemptions may apply, such as having participated in an approved controlled substance testing program within the last 30 days.
• Post-Accident Testing. If a DOT mandated safety-sensitive employee is involved in an accident, many times they are tested for alcohol and/or other controlled substances.

If You Refuse a DOT Drug Test

If you refuse a DOT drug or alcohol test, it is considered the same as failing. Your employer must immediately remove you from your safety-sensitive duties. To restore your ability to return to work, you will be required to be evaluated by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and comply with a return-to-duty process. The SAP will establish a program unique to your needs that may include counseling, education and/or treatment. A follow-up evaluation and ongoing testing will also be required until the SAP determines you have successfully complied with the program and are ready to submit to return-to-duty testing.

SAP Referral Services

If you refused a DOT drug test and need to complete the necessary requirements to restore your status as an employee, SAP Referral Services can help. Our FastTrack Enrollment connects you with a DOT qualified SAP so you can get on track to return to work quickly and efficiently. We have helped over 25,000+ employees with their return-to-duty process and can help you too. Click here to contact us and learn more.

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.