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Frequently Asked Questions
Drug & Alcohol Testing

DRUG and ALCOHOL TESTING

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1. What is FMCSA drug and alcohol testing?

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  • FMCSA drug and alcohol testing refers to the mandatory testing program established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to ensure that drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are not impaired by drugs or alcohol while on duty.

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2. Who is subject to FMCSA drug and alcohol testing regulations?

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  • All drivers who operate CMVs requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL) on public roads are subject to FMCSA drug and alcohol testing regulations. This includes full-time, part-time, and intermittent drivers.

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3. What types of drug and alcohol tests are required by FMCSA?

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    The FMCSA requires the following types of drug and alcohol tests:

  • Pre-employment (drug test only)

  • Post-accident

  • Random

  • Reasonable suspicion

  • Return-to-duty

  • Follow-up

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4. What substances are tested for under FMCSA regulations?

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    FMCSA drug tests screen for the following substances:

  • Marijuana (THC)

  • Cocaine

  • Amphetamines and methamphetamines

  • Opioids (including heroin, codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone)

  • Phencyclidine (PCP)

  • Alcohol tests measure the concentration of alcohol in the driver’s system.

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5. What are the consequences of a positive drug or alcohol test?

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  • A positive drug or alcohol test can result in the driver being removed from safety-sensitive duties, loss of Commercial Driver License (CDL) privileges, the requirement to undergo a return-to-duty process with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), potential fines, and impact on employment.

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6. What is the random testing rate for FMCSA drug and alcohol tests?

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  • The FMCSA requires motor carriers to randomly test at least 50% of their drivers for drugs and 10% for alcohol annually. These rates are subject to change based on industry data and trends.

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7. What is the post-accident testing requirement?

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  • Post-accident testing is required if the accident involves a fatality, or if the driver receives a citation for a moving traffic violation and the accident involves injury requiring medical treatment away from the scene or disabling damage to any vehicle requiring a tow.

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8. What is reasonable suspicion testing?

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  • Reasonable suspicion testing is conducted when a trained supervisor or company official observes behavior or appearance that suggests drug or alcohol use. This observation must be based on specific, contemporaneous, articulable facts.

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9. What is the return-to-duty process?

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  • The return-to-duty process involves the driver completing a substance abuse evaluation with a SAP, complying with treatment and/or education recommendations, and passing a return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol test before resuming safety-sensitive duties.

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10. What are follow-up tests?

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  • Follow-up tests are unannounced tests conducted after a driver has returned to duty following a violation of drug and alcohol regulations. The SAP determines the number and frequency of these tests, which must include at least six tests in the first 12 months.

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11. What training is required for supervisors?

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  • Supervisors must undergo at least 60 minutes of training on recognizing the signs and symptoms of drug use and an additional 60 minutes on recognizing the signs and symptoms of alcohol misuse. This training helps them make informed decisions about reasonable suspicion testing.

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12. Where can I find more information or assistance?

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