About DOT Drug Testing

Every day, thousands of transportation employees are tested for drugs or alcohol. This is done to ensure safety in the workplace, on our roads, waterways and in the sky as well as protection from harm. The DOT (Department of Transportation) has a mandate to make sure that employees in transportation related jobs are not under the influence of illegal substances. Each of the below DOT agencies are required to have drug and alcohol following DOT regulations 49 CFR Part 40.

Random testing for drugs and alcohol is required by most DOT agencies. In addition to pre-employment and random drug screening, a DOT drug test may be required for reasonable suspicion, post-accident, returning to duty after a period of absence, or a follow-up (such as to maintain an active status after returning to duty).

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The Six Main DOT Industries that Require Drug and Alcohol Testing

FAA – The aviation industry, or Federal Aviation Administration

FAA regulated employees, which include, but are not limited to air traffic controllers, aircraft maintenance personnel, aircraft dispatchers, air tour operators, ground security, flight instructors, flight crews, and flight attendants.

FMCSA – Commercial Motor Carriers, or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Some examples of FMCSA regulated positions:

Drivers of vehicles required to display a DOT placard when transporting hazardous material.
Vehicles that transport 16 passengers or more (including driver)
CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) holders who operate commercial motor vehicles that weigh a minimum of 26,001 pounds.

USCG – United States Coast Guard (USCG)

an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security follows DOT regulations for drug and alcohol testing. Regulated employees include boat captains and as well as any crewmembers operating commercial vessels.

PHMSA – Pipeline industry, or members of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

For oil and gas companies working on pipeline, which includes operations, maintenance and emergency response, operators and their contractors are required to submit to DOT compliant testing.

FRA – Railroad industry

This includes members of employees of railroads including, Hours of Service Act (HSA) personnel, train and engine, and signal service or train dispatchers. more Maintenance of Way (MOW) Employees are also required to be in a FRA MOW drug & alcohol testing program

FTA – Transit industry or members of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

This DOT agency includes vehicle mechanics, controllers, operators, and armed security.

Understanding DOT Rule 49 CFR Part 40

The specific Department of Transportation rule concerning drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive employees is rule 49 CFR Part 40. This rule specifies that DOT drug and alcohol tests must be analyzed by a SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) certified laboratory and reviewed by an MRO (Medical Review Officer) and must be done on a federal “chain of custody” form.

Quality Lab can handle all of this for you. Not only do we provide the services mentioned above, we also provide reasonable suspicion testing, post-accident testing and more.

About DOT Drug Testing

The Six Main DOT Industries that Require Drug and Alcohol Testing

Understanding DOT Rule 49 CFR Part 40

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