DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements

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Pre-employment – Employers must receive a negative drug test result before allowing a CDL driver to operate a CMV (§382.301).

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Post-accident – Drug and alcohol testing may be required following certain accidents, based on DOT criteria (§382.303).

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Random – CDL drivers must be randomly tested throughout the year (§382.305). Employers who employ only themselves as drivers and are not leased to a motor carrier must participate in a consortium with at least two covered employees in the random testing pool (see §382.305, Interpretation 11).

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Reasonable suspicion – Drivers who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be tested immediately (§382.307). Employers are required to train supervisors to recognize signs of driver impairment (§382.603).

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Return-to-duty – Required for drivers who tested positive, refused testing, or otherwise violated 49 CFR Part 382 Subpart B. Drivers must complete the return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). This test is directly observed, and a negative result is required before resuming safety-sensitive duties (§382.309 and §40.305).

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Follow-up – Required for drivers who have completed the return-to-duty process. Follow-up testing is determined by the SAP and includes a minimum of six directly observed tests within 12 months. This period may be extended for up to five years (§382.311 and §40.307).