What to Expect in Your Initial Evaluation with a DOT SAP

DOT safety employees are responsible for transporting the general public safely and reliably. As DOT employees are trusted with the safety of dozens of citizens throughout their workday, they are subject to random drug and alcohol testing. These regulations are meant to protect the public’s welfare and the welfare of other DOT employees. This regulation works in conjunction with DOT SAPs (Substance Abuse Professionals).

What Happens If You Fail or Refuse the Test?

DOT employees that fail their drug or alcohol test are required to complete a return-to-duty program with a DOT SAP. Additionally, refusing to take a drug or alcohol test is considered equivalent to failing the test, and the employee must also complete an SAP program.

After failing the test, employees stop working and are required to complete an evaluation with a qualified DOT SAP. The SAP is trained to determine an appropriate course of action for the employee to complete to be considered eligible to return to work. This may consist of education, treatment, or a combination of both. Then, a follow-up evaluation determines the employee’s eligibility to return to work and coordination of after-care as needed. A DOT SAP will also recommend a follow-up drug or alcohol testing plan for the employee for when they return to work.

SAP Referral Services (SRS) Fast Tracks the Return-to-Duty Process

All DOT employees want to complete their SAP Program as quickly as possible so they can return to earning a wage. Partnering with an SAP referral program, such as SRS, is the fastest path back to work. DOT SAPs have qualifications and continuing education requirements they must update frequently. If you complete your SAP Program with a DOT SAP that has had their credentials expired, your entire program is void.

SRS guarantees to connect with you a DOT SAP that is fully qualified at the time of initial contact. This eliminates the risk of having to repeat the process and delay your return to work because you worked with an unqualified DOT SAP.

Register today in SRS’ FastTrack Enrollment. The simple two-step online process will connect you with a qualified DOT SAP in your area within 72 business hours. SRS has helped over 25,000 employees in the return-to-duty process. Additionally, with over 3,000 specialists nationwide, you can rest assured you will be connected with the DOT SAP that is closest to you. Sign up today and get back to work as quickly 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.