Positive DOT Drug Tests
What happens when a driver has a positive DOT drug test?
Results are reported to the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse by the Medical Review Officer
Results are sent to the Employer/Company
The driver is IMMEDIATELY removed from safety sensitive functions, including driving. The driver is to remain not driving until step 11.
The Employer provides the driver a list of nearby Substance Abuse Professionals. The driver contacts a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and enrolls in Substance Abuse Program.
The Employer decides whether or not to retain the driver.
The SAP evaluates the driver and recommends treatment and education
Driver completes the treatment and education plan created by the SAP and will be reevaluated by the SAP.
SAP finds the driver fit to return to duty
Driver completes a Return to Duty screening under direct observation
Results are reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse by consortium
The driver can return to driving
The driver must meet the Follow Up Test Plan created by the SAP. These tests are unannounced and under direct observation. Driver must complete at minimum 6 follow up tests within 12 months, test plan may be up to 5 years. Failure of any tests will result in the Return to Duty restarting.
Driver still remains in the random DOT Drug Test Pool and available for these tests.
Follow-up test plan must be supplied to prospective employer if they leave your employment for another job prior to completing the follow-up test plan, the next employer will pick up on the follow up test plan.
All records for DOT Drug and Alcohol violations MUST be retained for five years.
