DOT Drug Testing Rules – What Do CDL Drivers Need to Know?
Do you have questions about the DOT drug testing rules for your existing, or future, DOT-mandated job? The Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act was passed by the Congress of the United States in 1991. According to this Act, all employees working within DOT mandated safety-sensitive jobs must undergo regular tests for alcohol and drugs to ensure their safety and that of others.
Should an employee be found to violate the DOT drug testing rules, they will need to stop safety-sensitive work immediately and undergo a SAP evaluation. Before these employees can return to work, they must also provide proof that they have complied with all regulations in this regard and passed a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test.
Who Is Tested?
According to the DOT drug testing rules, all safety-sensitive employees in the transport industry who have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are subject to random and planned alcohol and drug tests.
Whether you fall under the FAA or FMCSA modes, if you are found guilty of contravening the DOT drug testing rules in terms of Part 40 (49 CFR Part 40) of this Act, you must comply with the DOT SAP process.
Typical substances that the DOT requires testing for include:
- THC
- Opiates
- PCP
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Alcohol
What To Know If You Fail The DOT Drug Testing Rules
Should you fail a DOT drug and/or alcohol test, you must immediately source a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
They will then take the employee through an evaluation process and recommend treatment and/or education. Additional steps in the process can involve psychological counseling, group therapy, or other treatment, according to the outcome of the SAPs evaluation.
Further steps involve a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test. Again, only if you test negative for substances will you be able to return to safety-sensitive work.
Finding a SAP
To find a SAP quickly, we advise you to contact SRS. Once you have successfully complied with the processes outlined by the SAP, and received a negative return to duty drug and/or alcohol test, you can return to work and continue to execute your duties safely.