Current Drug & Alcohol Testing Random Rates:
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) increased its annual random drug testing rates from 25% to 50% in 2019. The random alcohol testing rate will remain at 10%.
FTA Compliance
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) oversees safety measures and provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems, including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys, and ferries. To maintain a safe and reliable transit service throughout the U.S., the FTA’s compliance program, Office of Transit Safety & Oversight (TSO) helps enforce compliance standards through policy development, data collection, risk analysis, hazard investigation, oversight programs, and information sharing.
Safety Management
Employers are expected to maintain compliance with FTA guidelines. In addition, the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) requires certain operators that receive federal funds to develop safety plans for implementing a Safety Management System (SMS).
An SMS will:
- Control risk
- Address and manage safety problems before they arise
- Measure safety performance
- Share and analyze data
FTA Drug & Alcohol Testing Program
In order to comply with DOT regulations, operators under the FTA must enforce a drug and alcohol testing policy. DISA’s drug and alcohol testing services offer transportation-specific drug and alcohol testing requirements, including:
Follow-Up
(For a failure or refusal of a drug test, which must be administered by a Substance Abuse Professional/SAP)
2019 Increased Random Rate
As of October 24, 2019, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is increasing its annual random drug testing rate from 25% to 50%, which hasn’t taken place since 2007. 2017 saw an increase in positives to 1.06%, and the FTA is required to raise the random testing rate to 50% as a result of this increase. Per FTA regulations, should random positivity rates in the two consecutive calendar years stay below 1%, the FTA can lower the random testing rate from 50% to 25%. Impacted employers are required to comply with the increased random drug testing rate as of January 1, 2019
Additional Transportation Services We Offer
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.
DOT Driver Qualification Files
Ensure FMCSA compliance with DISA’s DQ file services. We help manage driver qualification files and streamline DOT hiring requirements.
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.
DOT Drug Testing
DISA helps safety-sensitive employers stay DOT compliant with expert drug testing services, including random testing, MRO review, and return-to-duty support.
FMCSA Motor Vehicle Records (MVR)
DISA’s FMCSA-compliant MVR reports help employers track CDL driver history, reduce liability, and ensure only qualified drivers operate commercial vehicles.
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.
FAA Compliance
DISA supports FAA compliance with required drug testing, background checks, and certification verifications—ensuring safety for all aviation safety-sensitive positions.
Fleet Management And Reporting
DISA’s fleet management and reporting services help carriers stay compliant with DOT regulations through accurate tax reporting, licensing, and real-time data solutions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fuel Tax Reporting & Compliance
Simplify IFTA fuel tax reporting with DISA’s automated compliance solutions, audit support, and real-time reporting tools.
Transportation Licensing & Permitting
DISA’s licensing and permitting services help carriers stay compliant by managing DOT authorities, IRP accounts, permits, and registrations—reducing admin burdens and keeping fleets on the road.
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.
HVUT/FORM 2290 Tax Renewal
DISA’s HVUT/Form 2290 Tax Renewal service ensures transportation companies file accurately and on time—avoiding penalties while maximizing credits and exemptions when eligible.
Fuel Tax Recovery And Refund Services
DISA’s Fuel Tax Recovery services help carriers claim refunds on non-taxable fuel use—maximizing savings and ensuring compliance with ever-changing tax laws and regulations.
Related News
If your company is under FTA compliance regulations, DISA can assist you with meeting and maintaining required standards.
Call us at 281-730-5509 or contact us online below.
