Serving all DOT modes of transportation with compliance and quality.

Our programs include:

• Required DOT drug & alcohol testing written policy
• Required DOT drug and alcohol testing: pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty and follow up
• SAMHSA Certified Laboratory, Medical Review Officer and Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP)
• Required random testing consortium pool management
• Required supervisor training and employee education programs – live training, webinar training and computer-based training
• Required record keeping and annual MIS reports
• Ongoing consultation
• Audit preparation and audit assistance
• Nationwide 24/7 coverage for emergency drug and alcohol testing events

*Our DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Services will keep you in compliance, so you avoid violations and fines.

What is a DOT drug test?

The government, primarily the Department of Transportation, regulates this drug test (DOT).

The Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act was passed by the United States Congress in 1991 because they realized how important it was for the transportation sector to be free of drugs and alcohol. To ensure the safety of both workers and the traveling public, the act mandated that DOT agencies administer drug and alcohol tests to those in safety-sensitive positions.

Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), generally referred to as “Part 40,” contains the DOT’s drug testing policies and procedures. The Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance, a division of the DOT, is responsible for disseminating these regulations (ODAPC).

Industry-specific rules that specify who is subject to testing, when it occurs, and under what circumstances are written by DOT agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard. Employers in the industry carry out the laws that concern their enterprise.

Who is required to get DOT drug tests?

Anyone who is listed as a “safety-sensitive” employee under DOT regulations is liable for DOT drug and alcohol testing. A safety-sensitive employee refers to a job where the employee is responsible for their personal safety as well as the safety of others.

DOT departments with safety-sensitive positions are listed below:

• Federal Aviation Administration: Flight crews, flight attendants, aircraft dispatchers, ground security coordinators, etc.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs), vehicles that carry 16 passengers or more (including the driver), or vehicles that transport hazardous materials and are required to display a DOT placard.
• U.S. Coast Guard: Crew members operating a commercial vessel.
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration: Operations, maintenance, and emergency response workers.
• Federal Railroad Administration: Hours of Service Act personnel, engine & train workers, signal service workers, or train dispatchers.
• Federal Transit Administration: Vehicle operators, controllers, mechanics, and armed security.

What drugs does the DOT test for?

All DOT drug tests use the same 5-panel test, which tests for the following:

• Marijuana metabolites/THC
• Cocaine metabolites
• Amphetamines (including methamphetamine, MDMA)
• Opioids* (including codeine, heroin (6-AM), morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and oxymorphone)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Although there are several options for drug tests, DOT regulated drug tests must use urine samples. Recently, they approved the use of oral fluid as another means of testing.

When are safety-sensitive employees required to get DOT drug tests?

DOT drug tests are required in the following situations:

Pre-employment, or before you start your job responsibilities.

Reasonable suspicion/cause
When one or more trained supervisors have a good reason to believe or suspect that you are under the influence of drugs. This must be founded on observations of things like behavior, speech, smell, and appearance.

Random testing. DOT requires that random tests be conducted on 25 to 50% of employees, depending on the governing agency. Each employee must have an equal chance of being chosen and randomly selected using a scientifically approved method.

Return-to-duty testing
Testing for drugs and alcohol is necessary before returning to work after breaking the rules. You may be tested at least six times in the first 12 months and are not allowed to return to any DOT jobs until you have passed the test. These tests must be carried out under close supervision.

Follow-up testing
Follow-up testing is done after returning to a job role or duty. A Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) oversees the follow-up testing for a period of up to five years, choosing how frequently and for what substances each employee gets tested. In addition to other DOT-required testing, these are completed.

Post-accident testing. This is required if you’re involved in an accident meeting narrowly defined DOT criteria. Typically, applies in situations where the employee is cited or where the accident results in injury or death.

What happens if I fail my DOT drug test?

If you fail your DOT regulated drug test, DOT regulations require your employer to immediately remove you from performing any DOT safety-sensitive job. There may be other consequences, too, like losing your certification or license. This depends on your company’s policy or employment agreement.

El Roi Wellness workforce experts stay up-to-date on DOT regulations, and can ensure that your business maintains compliance. If you’re interested in using our regulated drug testing services, contact one of our team members today.