Who Must Be Tested?
Per the US Department of Transportation “All CDL drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) (greater than 26,000 GVWR, or transporting more than 16 passengers, including the driver, or placarded hazardous materials) on public roadways must be DOT drug and alcohol tested. This applies to any driver required to possess a CDL, including those employed by Federal, State, and local government agencies, “owner operators,” and equivalently licensed drivers from foreign countries. Part-time drivers must also be included in an employer’s drug and alcohol testing program. Drivers who only operate CMVs on private property not open to the public do not require testing” . More information concerning DOT drug tests can be found in the Federal Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation Brochure.
DOT Special Requirments for Drug Testing
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has special requirements for drug testing. DOT drug tests can be performed for many reasons:
- They can be performed randomly.
- When an employer has reasonable suspicion that an employee is intoxicated.
- As part of a DOT physical exam.
- After an accident.
DOT drug testing is different from regular drug tests. The DOT only uses urine drug testing. A very thorough testing process is required, so results usually take longer to process compared to other drug testing methods. Normally results are given within 24-48 hours.
The urine drug testing will test for: Marijuana, cocaine, phencyclidine, amphetamines and methamphetamine, opiates.
Once you have completed your DOT Drug Test the laboratory will report the analysis to a MRO (Medical Review Officer). If the results are positive, the MRO will contact the driver to determine if there were circumstances that would explain the positive result. If there are none, the MRO reports a positive result to the employer.