Truck drivers need to follow rules from both their employer and the Department of Transportation (DOT). This is important to keep their commercial driver’s license valid and make sure they drive safely. One of the most important rules is about drug and alcohol testing.
The DOT has six important testing scenarios for commercial drivers to be aware of. These include pre-employment checks, reasonable suspicion testing, post-accident testing, random drug testing, return-to-duty testing, and follow-up testing. Each serves a specific purpose, such as checking your condition before employment or after an accident and ensuring ongoing safety on the road. Understanding these scenarios is essential for maintaining your commercial driver’s license and the safe operation of commercial vehicles.
When it comes to drug testing, DOT always uses a urine test, no matter what your employer does. They check for things like marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs. To get ready for the test, make sure you’ve had enough to drink so you can provide a urine sample. If you have trouble, a little bit of caffeine before the test might help. It’s important to know what could get you in trouble with the DOT to avoid penalties and keep your license. Here are the main violations:
1. On-Duty Substance Use:
Operating a commercial vehicle demands strict abstinence from illegal drugs, such as marijuana, and alcohol. Ensure you don’t commence work with these substances in your system or ingest them within four hours before driving. Be cautious with prescription medications, too; if they affect your driving, they can also lead to violations.
2. Positive Results:
A positive alcohol test occurs when your blood alcohol concentration exceeds 0.04. Urine tests have distinct cutoff levels for different substances, including screening for five drug categories. In the event of a positive result, the Medical Review Officer (MRO) will reach out to you to investigate any possible explanations, like prescription medications. If no legitimate reasons are found, the MRO will report the outcome to the national Clearinghouse, initiating follow-up protocols and your enrollment in a substance abuse program.
3. Testing Refusal and Delays:
If your employer requires you to undergo testing and you refuse, it’s treated as if you tested positive. For random tests, make sure to complete them immediately; any delay is seen as a refusal. If you struggle to provide a urine sample due to discomfort, consult a doctor to avoid it being counted as a refusal.
4. Violating Testing Procedure:
Tampering with or interfering with the testing process, or failing to provide the required sample, can result in suspension or revocation of your CDL.
5. Falsifying Test Results:
Trying to cheat on the test or falsify results violates testing procedures and may lead to disciplinary action.
In addition to the mentioned scenarios, never use your commercial vehicle for transporting undisclosed drugs or alcohol. Breaking this rule can lead to severe consequences like job loss, CDL suspension, fines, and even imprisonment. It might also impact your future CDL prospects. Some employers have a zero-tolerance approach, which can mean instant termination. Violations and the return-to-duty process can cause stress and financial strain. Many companies are wary of hiring individuals with substance-related issues, so always exercise caution.
source: https://teamcme.com/5-dot-testing-violations-commercial-drivers-must-know/
Comments
Download this infographic.