Drug and Alcohol Testing

Drug Testing Requirements for Motor Carriers

Who Must Comply with this Requirement

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s alcohol and drug testing rules apply to every person and to all employers of such persons who operate a commercial motor vehicle in commerce in any state.

Tests Required

The following tests apply to all persons who are required to have a CDL for the type vehicle being operated.

  • Pre-Employment: This test is required and negative results must be received before a motor carrier allows a driver to perform a safety sensitive function. The pre-employment test is only required for controlled substances. Alcohol testing is permitted.
  • Reasonable Suspicion: This test is required when a trained supervisor/employer has reasonable suspicion to believe that the driver has used alcohol and/or controlled substances.
  • Random: This unannounced testing is based on a random selection of drivers. The selection must be made by a scientifically valid method and all drivers covered by this rule must have an equal chance of being tested. The names of drivers who are selected for testing must be kept confidential until such time that the carrier notifies the driver to take the test. Once the driver is notified, he/she must immediately proceed to the testing facility and undergo testing. Every driver’s name that is selected for testing must be returned to the selection pool so that all drivers have an equal chance of being selected at any time

FirstCare Medical can help your company be compliant with these standards.  To join our Consortium, there is an annual fee of $100.00 and each quarter the system randomly chooses employees to be tested.  Since there are other companies included in this Randomization there is the possibility that one of your employees may not get chosen.  However, if ever audited, by being in this system your company is compliant with the standards.