DOT Compliance
Federal regulations are not optional. If you're employed by or seeking employment with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), you should be mindful of the industry's drug and alcohol testing requirements. Since 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act has mandated DOT agencies to enforce testing for safety-sensitive positions across the transportation industry. Employers must adhere to specific DOT compliance.
The DOT includes a wide array of government sectors, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). DOT-regulated positions, from bus drivers to locomotive engineers, must refer to position-specific DOT regulations for drug and alcohol policy to remain in compliance with DOT regulatory compliance standards.
Health Street provides industry-leading DOT compliance testing. We help you meet Department of Transportation compliance requirements for safety-sensitive functions. Register for Department of Transportation testing for drugs or alcohol today. Sign up online or by calling (888) 378-2499.
DOT Drug Compliance
DOT Pre-Employment Drug Testing
Applicants seeking employment through the DOT must refer to sector-specific drug and alcohol policy to understand pre-employment drug testing requirements. Resources like those provided by the DOT Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) can clarify specific protocols and help employers and employees remain in compliance.
DOT positions that require employees to possess a commercial driver's license (CDL) and operate government vehicles mandate that applicants submit to drug testing prior to beginning employment. A DOT background check may also be required to ensure a safe driver's record for the position and necessary licensing.
According to DOT regulation, 49 CFR Part 40, the pre-employment drug testing process will consist of a urinalysis drug test. Specimens will be collected by qualifying personnel and tested through a U.S. Department of Health certified laboratory. Although not a requirement for pre-employment, a DOT employer may also choose to test for alcohol in addition to DOT drug testing.
DOT Random Drug Testing
Depending on the DOT agency and respective position, many employees will be required to agree to random drug and alcohol testing. According to DOT random drug testing best practices, employers are required to conduct random drug and alcohol testing using a scientifically-valid method, such as a computer-based random number generator.
Furthermore, depending on the specific DOT agency in which random testing is being conducted, employers must meet their agency's annual drug testing rate requirement. When working to reach each required rate, testing must still be spread reasonably over the course of the year and ensure each employee has an equal chance of being selected.
DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements
When conducting DOT employee drug and alcohol testing , specific testing criteria must be met to remain in complete DOT compliance. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing regulations require the use of a 5-panel drug test which screens for marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). Specimens must also be analyzed through a U.S. Department of Health & Human Services certified laboratory. For DOT breath alcohol testing, regulations require testing to be conducted by a certified screening test technician (STT) or a breath alcohol technician (BAT).
Health Street's DOT Drug Tests
Looking for a DOT drug test? Health Street has it all. Some of the services we offer include:
For a complete list of our DOT service options, visit our GLASS employee screening portal. We offer DOT drug tests, random pools, compliance and consent forms, background checks, and even driver screening packages. Whatever you need, Health Street can help.
DOT Return to Duty Testing
If you've been prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) due to a drug or alcohol violation, you must complete the DOT Return to Duty process to regain your driving privileges.
The process starts with an evaluation by a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), who will recommend an education or treatment plan. Once completed, you must pass a Return to Duty test arranged by your employer or consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA). A negative drug test result updates your status in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, allowing you to resume safety-sensitive duties.
After returning to duty, follow-up testing will be required, including at least six unannounced tests within the first 12 months. The Return to Duty process helps ensure everyone's safety on the road.
To learn more or to start the process, take a look at this video by the FMCSA below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the DOT drug and alcohol regulations?
Positions that are considered safety-sensitive by the Department of Transportation (DOT) are required to submit to pre-employment drug testing and random alcohol and drug testing. DOT post accident drug testing and reasonable suspicion testing may also be required per the DOT D&A standards.
What drugs are tested under DOT regulations? What is DOT regulated?
Federal DOT compliance requires employee drug tests to screen for marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). These tests are performed with a 5-panel urine test, by an HHS certified lab.
What are the 5 DOT prohibited drugs?
Under the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing policy, the use of marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP) is prohibited. The DOT 5-panel drug test includes semi-synthetic opioids like hydrocodone and oxycodone.