Is DOT Clearinghouse Registration Mandatory?

The Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is a highly secured, online database containing information about drug and alcohol program violations committed by commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders. The database provides instant access to a driver’s history, including failed alcohol and/or drug tests and refusals to submit to a test. Additionally, the Clearinghouse records the completion of the return-to-duty program to restore the driver back to active status. DOT Clearinghouse registration is required for all commercial drivers. Read on to learn more about the process.

DOT Clearinghouse Registration Requirements

CDL drivers register so current and potential employers may run a full query to determine if there have been any drug and/or alcohol program violations. These groups include employers of   DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees, federal agencies, state employers, and law enforcement personnel. Both employers and CDL drivers must register with the Clearinghouse

database to view or update information. If a CDL driver commits a violation, their information is entered into the database even if the driver has not personally registered. The violation is registered with the CDL driver’s license number, so when the driver does register, they will be able to view all the data concerning their account.

Penalties for Failing to Register

A recent directive from the DOT places a fine of up to $5833 for employers, CDL drivers, medical review officers or service agents who violate the provisions of the Clearinghouse. All drug and/or alcohol test failures, refusals to submit to the tests, and completion of the return-to-duty program allowing the driver to return to their position must be recorded by the appropriate personnel.

Partner with SAP Referral Services

Any CDL driver who fails or refuses a test must complete a return-to-duty program before returning to safety-sensitive shifts. SAP Referral Services provides FastTrack Enrollment that gets the driver back to work as quickly as possible. We schedule you with a local, DOT-qualified SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) to start your return-to-duty process. Successful compliance will be noted in the Clearinghouse indicating you have completed the program, passed return-to-duty testing, and are authorized to return to work. Contact SAP Referral Services today to get started on your road back to work as soon as possible.

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.