Failed a DOT Drug Test? Here's How to Get Back on the Road
So you failed a DOT drug test, and now you can't operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). The good news is that you can take steps to get back on the road. With the right treatment and education, you can regain your driving privileges and get back to work. Let's walk through the Return to Duty (RTD) process together.
Why Can't I Drive Right Now?
If you work for a company regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), you have specific drug and alcohol rules you must follow. If you fail a drug or alcohol test, you're removed from any safety-sensitive duties. This includes driving CMVs. Your violation gets reported to the FMCSA's Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, and your status is updated to "prohibited."
As of November 18, 2024, a new rule means that drivers listed as "prohibited" in the Clearinghouse will lose the ability to drive commercially. If they apply for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), they will be denied until the "prohibited" status is cleared.
While this can feel like a setback, it doesn't always have to be permanent. The U.S. DOT regulates DOT drug and alcohol testing programs under 49 CFR Part 40. If you can complete the Return to Duty process and comply with DOT drug testing procedures, you can regain your status and get back on the road.
Here's How You Can Get Back to Driving
1. Choose a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
You can either find your own Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), or use the list of DOT-qualified SAPs that your employer must provide. Once you've chosen a SAP, you'll need to log in to your Clearinghouse account to designate them officially. This allows the SAP to update your Return to Duty progress in the Clearinghouse.
Don't have a Clearinghouse account yet? It's time to create one—you'll need it for every step of this process.
2. Get Evaluated and Follow Your Treatment Plan
Your SAP will conduct an evaluation to determine what kind of treatment or education you need. Depending on your situation, they may recommend counseling, education programs, or other treatment options. Once you successfully complete your plan, the SAP will update your status in the Clearinghouse, and you'll be eligible to take the Return to Duty test.
3. Take the Return to Duty Test
After completing your treatment plan, you'll need to take a DOT drug or alcohol test. Important: you can't arrange this test by yourself—it must be scheduled by your employer or a third-party administrator (C/TPA). You need a negative test result to prove that you're ready to return to work.
4. Update Your Status
Once you pass the Return to Duty test, your employer or C/TPA will record the result in the Clearinghouse. This will change your status to "not prohibited," which means you can legally resume driving CMVs.
5. Complete Follow-Up Testing
You're almost there, but there's still one more step. Your SAP, together with your employer, will set up a follow-up testing plan. This plan will include at least six unannounced drug or alcohol tests in the first 12 months after you return to work. These follow-up tests are part of ongoing DOT random drug testing to make sure you're staying compliant.
A Few Important Things to Keep in Mind
Final Thoughts on Getting Back Behind the Wheel
The Return to Duty process is a way to show your commitment to safe driving and to regain your livelihood. Completing these steps shows you're ready to get back on the road while keeping yourself and others safe.
Ready to get started? Health Street offers the DOT services that you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Return to Duty process?
The Return to Duty process is a set of steps that commercial drivers need to follow after failing a DOT drug test. This includes choosing a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), getting evaluated, completing a treatment plan, passing a Return to Duty test, and participating in follow-up testing.
Does a failed DOT drug test go on your record?
Yes, a failed DOT drug test is recorded in the FMCSA Clearinghouse and remains there for five years or until you complete all required follow-up testing.
Can I take the Return to Duty test on my own?
No, you can't schedule the Return to Duty test on your own. It must be arranged by your employer or a third-party administrator (C/TPA).
What is DOT random drug testing?
DOT random drug testing is a requirement for commercial drivers. After completing the Return to Duty process, you'll be subject to ongoing random follow-up tests to ensure continued compliance with safety regulations.
How long will follow-up testing continue?
After passing your Return to Duty test, you'll need to follow a plan that includes at least six unannounced follow-up tests within the first year of your return to work in a safety-sensitive role.
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