What if an FMCSA employer fails to Conduct Post-Accident Alcohol or Drug Testing

49 CFR § 382.303 — Post-Accident Testing Federal regulations require motor carriers to conduct post-accident alcohol and drug testing after certain commercial motor vehicle accidents. When an employer fails to conduct required testing, the employer violates federal drug and alcohol testing rules. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces these requirements under 49 CFR [...]

By |February 11th, 2026|DOT Drug Testing|Comments Off on What if an FMCSA employer fails to Conduct Post-Accident Alcohol or Drug Testing

Invalid Drug Test Results: Causes and Next Steps

Drug testing plays a critical role in workplace safety, compliance, and accountability. While most test results come back either negative (no drugs detected) or positive (drug or metabolite detected), there are cases where the laboratory cannot issue a definitive result. In these cases, the outcome is reported as Invalid. An invalid drug test result does [...]

By |September 8th, 2025|DOT Drug Testing, Drug FAQ, Drugs|Comments Off on Invalid Drug Test Results: Causes and Next Steps

Does a DOT Drug or Alcohol Violation Bar a Driver From Operating Any CMV?

In his July 2025 article in NDASA’s newsletter, Tim Thoelecke (CSAPA, InOut Labs) addresses a common question within the drug-and-alcohol testing industry: If a driver fails a DOT-regulated drug or alcohol test, is he or she barred from all commercial vehicle operation, even small non-CDL ones? (NDASA) Key Insights 1) FMCSA Rule § 382.501 Applies Broadly [...]

By |July 29th, 2025|DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing|Comments Off on Does a DOT Drug or Alcohol Violation Bar a Driver From Operating Any CMV?

What Is an Invalid Drug Test? Causes, Implications, and Employer Responsibilities

Drug testing plays a vital role in maintaining safety and compliance in the workplace—especially in regulated industries like transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing. But what happens when a test comes back as "Invalid"? While most people are familiar with "positive" or "negative" results, an invalid drug test result can lead to confusion, concern, and questions [...]

By |June 24th, 2025|DOT Drug Testing, Drug FAQ, Drugs|Comments Off on What Is an Invalid Drug Test? Causes, Implications, and Employer Responsibilities

Designated Employer Representative (DER) Must Remove Employee from Safety-Sensitive Functions While Awaiting Split Specimen Test Results

DER Remove Employee: Immediate Action Required Drug testing compliance is essential in safety-sensitive industries, and the Designated Employer Representative (DER) must take immediate action when an employee tests positive for drugs. Without hesitation, the DER remove employee from safety-sensitive duties after receiving a verified positive drug test result. This guide explains the split specimen [...]

By |February 10th, 2025|DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing|Comments Off on Designated Employer Representative (DER) Must Remove Employee from Safety-Sensitive Functions While Awaiting Split Specimen Test Results

What Does the MRO Report to the DER When There is a Positive, Adulterated, or Substituted Test Result?

MRO Report to DER: Key Responsibilities and Process The MRO report to DER is a crucial step in workplace drug testing. The Medical Review Officer (MRO) serves as a vital link in ensuring accurate drug testing processes. Before informing the Designated Employer Representative (DER) of any test results, the MRO verifies the findings with [...]

By |January 24th, 2025|DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing, FMCSA Clearinghouse|Comments Off on What Does the MRO Report to the DER When There is a Positive, Adulterated, or Substituted Test Result?

Cancelled Random Tests Do Not Count Toward Minimum Requirements

When it comes to maintaining compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, understanding how cancelled tests are handled is crucial. Therefore, random drug and alcohol tests play an integral role in ensuring safety within industries regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). However, cancelled random tests present unique challenges. In this [...]

By |January 22nd, 2025|DOT Drug Testing|Comments Off on Cancelled Random Tests Do Not Count Toward Minimum Requirements

When You Hire A New CDL Driver (FMCSA)

When you hire a new CDL driver, you must complete several steps before the driver becomes eligible to drive. When You Hire a New CDL Driver Ensure the driver is registered in the FMCSA Clearinghouse to conduct a Pre-Employment Full Query. You must receive a “Driver Not Prohibited” Pre-Employment Query result, or the driver [...]

By |January 3rd, 2025|DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing, Drug Testing Policy, FMCSA Clearinghouse|Comments Off on When You Hire A New CDL Driver (FMCSA)

Key Takeaways from Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index 2023

Quest Diagnostics annual drug testing index (DTI) report for 2023 is released. DTI also provides valuable insights into drug use in the workforce and covers a range of illicit, legal, and prescription drugs. The report can help employers make informed decisions and changes in their drug testing programs. In this blog post, we also [...]

By |July 15th, 2024|Blog, DOT Drug Testing, Drug Testing Policy|Comments Off on Key Takeaways from Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index 2023

Post-Accident Testing For Each DOT Agency

Understanding post-accident drug testing requirements ensures compliance with the regulations of different DOT agencies. Each agency outlines specific guidelines to determine when testing is necessary. FMCSA Post-accident drug testing becomes mandatory after any accident involving a fatality. Testing is also required in two additional scenarios: when authorities tow one or more motor vehicles from [...]

By |February 19th, 2024|DOT Drug Testing, Drug FAQ|Comments Off on Post-Accident Testing For Each DOT Agency