What are the drug and alcohol testing requirements for DOT CDL drivers?
Generally, federal law requires that all CDL drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles subject to CDL requirements on public roads in the U.S. are performing safety-sensitive functions and are subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing. This includes all full-time, part-time, intermittent, backup and international drivers.
The times and situations that require testing include:
- Pre-Employment testing
- Post-Accident testing
- Random testing
- Reasonable Suspicion testing
- Return-to-duty testing following a positive drug and alcohol test or refusal
- Follow-up testing following a positive drug and alcohol test or refusal
References
Situation descriptions and a post-accident chart is provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/drug-alcohol-testing/who-do-i-test
Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and
Alcohol Testing Programs (49 CFR Part 40)
https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40
Federal Statute Part 382
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/part/382
