DOT Substance Abuse Program for Bus Drivers

Congress passed the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 following several significant transportation accidents. These accidents put into focus the need for ensuring all DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees are drug and alcohol-free on the job. The Act led to the creation of the DOT substance abuse program. The program includes pre-employment, targeted and random drug and alcohol testing. As DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees, bus drivers must follow the guidelines for alcohol and drug testing for the safety of the public and themselves.

Consequences of Refusing or Failing a Drug or Alcohol Test

When individuals abuse alcohol and/or drugs, they increase their risk for causing serious, sometimes fatal, injuries. Those who operate buses for our cities and schools pose a serious threat if they come to work under the influence. If a bus driver fails or refuses a drug and/or alcohol test, they are immediately removed from any future shifts. Next, they must find a SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) and successfully comply with a return-to-duty process. Compliance is required to regain eligibility to return to safety-sensitive duty for a previous or future employer. This process helps employees by educating them and treating their issues with drugs and/or alcohol.

Find a SAP to Complete the DOT Substance Abuse Program

When you work with SAP Referral Services you gain access to the resources you need to start your return-to-duty process and get back to work. We provide you with quick access to thousands of DOT-qualified professionals with the experience to guide you.

Our FastTrack Enrollment connects you with a DOT-qualified SAP, usually within 72 business hours. Click here to learn more about FastTrack Enrollment and find a SAP in your area. We have helped over 25,000 employees with their return-to-duty processes, and we hope to help you too. Start your journey 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.