DOT 2021 Random Testing Rates

Keeping America’s skies, railways, waterways, roads and pipelines safe continues to be a top priority for the Department of Transportation. Consequently, all DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees must follow alcohol and drug testing rules. These guidelines include random testing throughout the year. Failing or refusing a test requires the employee to meet with a DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and comply with a return-to-duty process before they can go back to work. See below for more information about this year’s testing rates.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Guidelines Keep Employees and the Public Safe

The Department of Transportation’s random drug and alcohol testing requirements remained consistent for 2021. DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees can expect these testing rates for this year:

  • FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) random drug testing rate is 50% and the random alcohol testing rate is 10%.
  • FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) random drug testing rate is 25% and the random alcohol testing rate is 10%.
  • FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) random drug testing rate is 25% – Covered Service and 50% – Maintenance of Way. The random alcohol testing rate is 10% – Covered Service and 10% – Maintenance of Way.
  • FTA (Federal Transit Administration) random drug testing rate is 50% and the random alcohol testing rate is 10%.
  • PHMSA (Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) random drug testing rate is 50%.

A DOT Substance Abuse Professional Helps Employees Get Back to Work

Individuals who abuse alcohol and/or drugs increase their risk for causing serious, sometimes fatal, accidents or injuries. Testing DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees for drugs and alcohol aims to prevent employees who are under the influence from being on the job. However, the DOT realizes that mistakes happen and allows employees to earn their way back to work.

If you fail a drug and/or alcohol test you must connect with a DOT Substance Abuse Professional and  comply with a return-to-duty process. The SAP is neither an advocate for the employee or the employer. Their goal is to protect the public and ultimately, they decide whether the employee is fit to return to their safety-sensitive duties. First, The SAP evaluates the employee who violated a drug or alcohol regulation. Next, they assign a treatment plan which can include treatment, education, and/or counseling. Compliance with the recommendations and passing a return-to-duty test allow the employee to be considered for restoration of their safety-sensitive duties.

Partner with SAP Referral Services

Getting back on your feet after a failed drug or alcohol test can feel like a daunting task. However, you are not alone. SAP Referral Services (SRS) makes it easy to connect with a DOT Substance Abuse Professional in your area. We are proud to provide access to clinical specialists in over 3,000 locations across the country. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

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.