Drug and alcohol violations while on the job can result in the loss of your commercial driving privileges. For the safety of all on the roads, drug and alcohol monitoring must be conducted by the FMCSA Clearinghouse per federal regulations.
Drivers of these vehicles and their employers must comply with the requirements set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to continue operations. Simplex Group assists trucking companies and their drivers with ensuring driver qualifications and DOT compliance.
In this article, we explain the purpose of the FMCSA Clearinghouse and what happens if you have an FMCSA drug or alcohol program violation.
What Is the DOT Clearing House?
The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a database used by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to provide employers of CDL drivers background on any issues related to drugs or alcohol. The goal of the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is to keep the roads safer, ensuring that anyone who operates a commercial motor vehicle follows the terms for alcohol or controlled substances.
FMCSA-regulated employers must register themselves rather than have a third party complete the Clearinghouse registration. But what if you are a CDL driver? As a driver, you are not required to register with the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Despite not being formally required to register like employers are, drivers should still register for the Clearinghouse.
What to Know About the Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
Every employer that is covered by the FMCSA must register for the Clearinghouse. This also includes owner-operators. Employers are subject to these rules if they or any employees have a CDL license and drive a commercial truck in any state.
As mentioned, a driver is not required to register for the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Drivers should register because this database is used by service agents to quickly determine the background of a new hire as well as for annual queries and reporting any prohibited behavior that would disqualify a driver from working in this industry.
Essentially, if you’re a new driver or you have a violation, you will need to register for the Clearinghouse. Even if you’re not, it can help you view your current information and make sure it is correct.
How to Register for the FMCSA Clearinghouse
If you are new to trucking, facing violations, or simply want to be able to view your information, registering for the FMCSA Clearinghouse is a very straightforward process. You’ll start on the FMCSA Clearinghouse page and create an account by clicking the “Register” button.
Follow the prompts to create your account, and then you can officially register as a driver. You’ll be required to fill out your contact information and provide your CDL license information. Once everything has been accurately entered, you’ll need to agree to the terms. You can make this process go more quickly by having your CDL license and pertinent information handy as you register.
Understanding Compliance and Monitoring for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
Beyond registering, you won’t have much to do with the Clearinghouse unless you have a DOT drug or alcohol violation. However, if you have any violation for prohibited substances or behaviors, you will need a full query conducted.
In these events, your employer or potential employer will issue a notice of consent that you must respond to within 24 hours or you will be prohibited from operating in the capacity of your position. Every employer and all medical review officers must be diligent in reporting any drug or alcohol violation, and if you receive one, you must follow the steps of the return to duty process.
What Is Considered a Violation of the Clearinghouse?
While it’s possible to return to duty after a violation, it’s best to avoid breaking the rules to maintain a clear record. You will be considered in violation of the terms if you:
- Are on duty or report for duty when you have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher or while using any drug that is not prescribed by a licensed medical doctor
- Drink alcohol while performing your duties or within four hours of needing to perform your duties
- Use alcohol within eight hours of a truck accident or when the test post-accident is completed
- Test positive for drug use of substances that are not prescribed by a licensed medical doctor
- Refuse to submit your required alcohol or drug testing
If you enjoy your career driving commercial vehicles, you must comply with the regulations. Failing to do so will result in a violation that could hinder your future. When a violation occurs, if you’re not already registered with the Clearinghouse, you will be required to complete registration promptly.
After you register due to violating these terms, you will need to work with a substance abuse professional for your return to duty process. This process for your return to duty may take up to 12 months. A substance abuse professional will evaluate the extent of your usage of drugs or alcohol and create a program for you to follow based on their findings. They will also arrange for you to take follow-up tests for drugs or alcohol.
Once you are released from this program, you can drive trucks again. However, it’s ultimately in your best interests to avoid these issues from the start.
How to Stay Compliant with DOT and FMCSA
If you run a trucking business, it’s important to keep an eye on those who drive for you. Truckers as well must make sure they are compliant with these authorities as it could cost them their careers.
To ensure that you’re always following the best practices regardless of your role in the trucking industry, you can take the right steps to protect yourself. Simplex Group can help with a streamlined compliance process that ensures everyone is following the rules. With this compliance, fleet owners and drivers can have full peace of mind that they won’t run into issues with the Clearinghouse.