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DOT Drug Testing

DOT Drug Test Requirements
 

The DOT provides the regulatory framework that employers operating under a particular DOT agency must adhere to, and DISA has been helping companies maintain DOT drug testing compliance since its inception. These regulations cover a wide range of companies and employees in safety-sensitive industries to ensure they're operating safely and responsibly.

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Who is Subject to DOT Drug Testing?

DOT Drug Testing

When Do DOT Employees Get Drug Tested?

The following situations require a DOT drug test to take place:

Staffing recruiting

Pre-Employment
Testing
 

A pre-employment drug test is required for DOT positions and will be conducted during the hiring process, prior to an employee's start date.

 

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Random selection

Random 
Testing
 

The DOT requires quarterly random selections where all employees have an equal opportunity to be selected under the program.

 

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Reasonable cause suspicion

Reasonable 
Cause
 

Under DOT regulations, employers are required to be trained to detect employees who may be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol while on the job.
 

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Post accident dot

Post-Accident Testing
 

When an employee is involved in an accident, regardless of whether they are the cause or not, they must submit to a drug and alcohol test.
 

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Return to duty

Return-to-Duty (RTD) 
 

If an employee fails a drug or alcohol test, they must undergo return-to-duty testing before returning to their DOT job responsibilities. It is under direct supervision and must be unannounced for the first 12 months.
 

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Drug testing

Follow-Up Testing
 

This precedes return-to-duty testing and must be managed by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) for up to 5 years. This is in addition to the standard DOT drug testing policies and cannot be substituted for other tests.
 

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Drugs Included on a DOT 5-Panel Urine Drug Test

  • Marijuana (THC)
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamines/Methamphetamines
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • Opioids:
    • Codeine, Heroin, Morphine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Hydromorphone, Oxymorphone
    • Expanded opioids were added in 2018.

DISA's Drug & Alcohol Testing Solutions

Drug and alcohol testing was DISA’s first service line more than 30 years ago. With three decades of experience under our belt, we are the leading DOT services provider in the industry. We provide a complete chain of custody management from collections to medical review. Whether your business uses one truck or an entire fleet, you’ll be confident that your drug and alcohol program is compliant and that your employees aren’t engaged in substance abuse.

With DISA, you’ll have access to a network of more than 6,000 collection sites and each screen will be analyzed by the best labs in the business. Our laboratory partners are DHHS approved and are dual-certified with SAMHSA and CAP.

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Drug Testing with DISA includes:

  • Collection Site Management
  • Expert Laboratory Analysis
  • Random Pool Selection & Management
  • In-House Medical Review Officer
  • Compliance & Audit Assistance
  • Detailed Statistical Reporting
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What To Do if an Employee Fails a DOT Drug Test

When a DOT-mandated employee in a safety-sensitive position fails a test, the employee must be immediately removed from their duties. Depending on their position, the industry they're in, and which company policies they're subject to, additional consequences like having their license suspended may occur.

To be eligible to return to their position, the employee will need to complete a return-to-duty process. This includes a treatment and education program with a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), follow-up evaluations, and more frequent follow-up drug testing that must result in a negative test.

Related DOT/Transportation Services

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DOT Driver Physicals

Learn about DOT driver physical requirements, medical exams, and compliance standards for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. Stay up to date on FMCSA guidelines for safe driving.
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DOT Driver Qualification Files

Ensure FMCSA compliance with DISA’s DQ file services. We help manage driver qualification files and streamline DOT hiring requirements.
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Continuous Driver Monitoring

DISA’s Continuous Driver Monitoring provides real-time alerts on driver behavior to reduce crashes, lower risk, and protect your company’s safety, compliance, and reputation.
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DOT Background Checks

Learn about DOT-compliant background screening requirements, including motor vehicle records, drug testing history, and employment verification. Ensure your hiring process meets FMCSA regulations.
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DOT Previous Employer Checks

DISA’s DOT Previous Employer Checks retrieve drug and alcohol testing history from past employers—ensuring compliance for safety-sensitive roles and helping employers make informed hiring decisions.
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DOT Testing History

DISA’s DOT Testing History service helps employers meet compliance by retrieving past drug and alcohol test records for safety-sensitive roles—ensuring safe, legal hiring.
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FAA Compliance

DISA supports FAA compliance with required drug testing, background checks, and certification verifications—ensuring safety for all aviation safety-sensitive positions.
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FCRA Compliance with DOT

DISA helps employers stay FCRA compliant by supporting proper disclosures, authorizations, and adverse action notices—ensuring fair, legal background checks for DOT roles.
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FMCSA Compliance

DISA helps carriers maintain FMCSA compliance with services like drug testing, MVR checks, physical exams, and driver file management—simplifying safety and audit readiness.
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FRA Compliance

DISA’s FRA compliance services support rail industry employers with drug and alcohol testing, recordkeeping, and training—ensuring full compliance with DOT safety standards.
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FTA Compliance

DISA supports FTA compliance with drug and alcohol testing programs tailored for transit operators—helping employers meet increased testing rates and maintain safe, reliable services.
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USCG Compliance

DISA’s USCG compliance services help maritime employers meet drug testing and safety requirements—reducing risk, avoiding penalties, and ensuring full regulatory compliance at sea.
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PHMSA Compliance

DISA helps companies stay PHMSA compliant with drug testing, inspection readiness, and safety programs—ensuring pipeline and LNG operators meet all federal regulatory standards.
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24/7 Post-Accident & Reasonable Suspicion Testing

Ensure safety and compliance with around-the-clock drug and alcohol testing following workplace incidents or signs of impairment.
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Return To Duty (RTD) Drug Testing

Understand the Return-to-Duty (RTD) drug testing process after policy violations. Learn steps, SAP role, and follow-up requirements.

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Maintain Compliance With DOT Requirements

DISA Global Solutions provides efficient and easy solutions for a safer workplace and can help you maintain compliance with DOT requirements. For more information, call DISA at 281-730-5509 or contact us online below.

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