Sources
How Often Do Truck Drivers Get Drug Tested? | DRC
driverresourcecenter.com
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1
Trucking Fleets, Drivers Face New Rules Over Illegal Drug Use ...
prepass.com
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2
[PDF] What Employers Need To Know About DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing
www.cde.state.co.us
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3
Post-accident drug test requirements | Department of Transportation
www.cnsprotects.com
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4
Answer
Truck drivers are subject to drug testing at various points throughout their careers to ensure safety on the roads. Here are the key times when truck drivers typically undergo drug testing:
- Pre-employment: New hires are required to pass a drug test as part of the hiring process1.
- Random testing: Federal regulations mandate that companies conduct random drug tests on a percentage of their drivers annually. This means a driver can be selected for an unannounced drug test at any time1.
- Post-accident: Drug testing is common after accidents, especially those resulting in fatalities or significant injuries1.
- Reasonable suspicion: If a supervisor observes behavior indicative of drug use, they may require a drug test1.
- Return-to-duty: Drivers who have previously failed a drug test must pass a test before resuming safety-sensitive functions2.
- Follow-up testing: After returning to duty, drivers who previously failed a test may be subject to unannounced follow-up testing2.
- During CDL school: Students must pass a drug test to obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)1.
- Regular physical examinations: Drug tests are typically conducted at least every two years as part of routine physicals required for maintaining a commercial driver's license (CDL)1.
References
1. How Often Do Truck Drivers Get Drug Tested? | DRC2. Trucking Fleets, Drivers Face New Rules Over Illegal Drug Use ...3. [PDF] What Employers Need To Know About DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing4. Post-accident drug test requirements | Department of Transportation5. When is a DOT post-accident drug and alcohol test required?
Author: Trucking Life with Shawn
Key insights
- The process of drug testing for truck drivers is not only about when, but also why and how they are tested, highlighting potential issues and concerns.
- Accidents can trigger mandatory drug testing for truck drivers, emphasizing the importance of staying clean at all times.
- Truck drivers can be drug tested if their dispatcher or supervisor is suspicious of drug use based on factors like smell, appearance, or behavior.
- If there's a fatality or someone is harmed in an accident, the driver will be drug tested regardless of whether they were cited or not.
- ⏰ It's crucial for truck drivers to address drug problems promptly, as waiting until it's too late can have severe legal and personal consequences.
- Truck drivers face the risk of prison if they have drugs in their system during a drug test after an accident.