Motor Carrier Safety 101 Series | Understanding DOT Drug & Alcohol Requirements
- Cottingham & Butler
- Sep 18
- 1 min read
In today's complex regulatory environment, staying compliant with DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements is more critical - and more challenging - than ever. Our recent webinar was designed to equip safety professionals, fleet managers, and HR personnel with the knowledge and tools needed to manage their drug and alcohol programs confidently. From understanding mandatory testing protocols to avoiding costly violations that can impact your FMCSA safety ratings, these expert insights provide the practical guidance you need to maintain compliance while protecting your drivers and your business.
Here are the key takeaways from our discussion:
DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Requirements: DOT requires testing for five drug classes: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines/methamphetamines, and PCP. Only urine testing is currently approved for DOT drug tests.
Policy & Compliance Essentials: Employers must implement a 13-section DOT-compliant policy from the start of CMV operations. It’s recommended to include a non-DOT section for additional substances or methods.
Clearinghouse & Violations: Employers must check the FMCSA Clearinghouse before hiring and annually for current drivers. Violations must be reported within 3 business days.
Testing & Best Practices: All testing procedures must be documented especially post-accident and refusal cases. Proper documentation and protocol adherence are critical to prevent common violations like letting drivers operate after positive tests.
Impact on Safety Ratings: Acute and critical violations directly affect FMCSA safety ratings. Two acute violations in the Drug & Alcohol factor result in an "Unsatisfactory" rating for that factor, potentially leading to an "Overall Conditional" rating.