On January 6, 2023, employers no longer have to check for drug & alcohol violations with a driver’s...
What is the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse?
We are now two years into the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, which launched on January 6, 2020.
This database contains violations of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) controlled substances and alcohol testing program for drivers who hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP). Records of these violations remain in the database for five years, or until the driver has completed the return-to-duty process, whichever is later.
What does the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Require?
The FMCSA D&A Clearinghouse requires that employers must:
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- Check the D&A Clearinghouse for current and prospective drivers’ drug & alcohol violations before allowing them to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) on public roads
- Annually recheck the Clearinghouse database on their current drivers.
- Report drug & alcohol program violations to the D&A Clearinghouse
- Check the D&A Clearinghouse for current and prospective drivers’ drug & alcohol violations before allowing them to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) on public roads
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Most Common Violations Reported to the D&A Clearinghouse
As of November 2021, more than 2.5 million CDL/CLP holders and organizations have registered with the D&A Clearinghouse. More than 3.8 million CDL/CLP holders have been queried since the Clearinghouse launched on Jan. 6, 2020
What are the most common violations?
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- According to the FMCSA, 82% of the total violations reported have been positive drug tests.
- Marijuana takes the lead by far, with 58,904 violations since the Clearinghouse launched in January 2020, making up 55.8% of all drug test violations.
- Marijuana is followed by cocaine (15.4%), methamphetamine (9.4%), and amphetamine (9%). Each other drug violation accounted for less than 3%.
- According to the FMCSA, 82% of the total violations reported have been positive drug tests.
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As of December 1, 2021, 100,398 drivers had at least one violation. Of these, 78,180 remain in Prohibited status, while 22,218 drivers are eligible to complete the return-to-duty process and return to driving.
Navigating the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse can be confusing for employers and drivers alike. Contact us for a partner who understands you and your drivers’ needs.
