What Happens When a CDL Driver Fails a Drug Test?

When a CDL Fails a Drug Test, He Is Prohibited From Doing More Than You Think Simply put, when a CDL driver fails a drug test, he must be immediately removed from performing safety-sensitive functions (i.e., driving CMVs) until successful completion of the return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional, and a negative [...]

By |December 27th, 2022|Blog, DOT Drug Testing|Comments Off on What Happens When a CDL Driver Fails a Drug Test?

Refusals to Test That You Are Required to Report

In a DOT drug testing program, the end of each quarter is a hectic time. This is because most of our DOT clients are regulated by the FMCSA. The FMCSA requires that each individual selected for random testing be tested in the period in which s/he is selected. At InOut Labs, we perform DOT [...]

By |October 31st, 2022|Blog, DOT Drug Testing|Comments Off on Refusals to Test That You Are Required to Report

Do Commercial Drivers Get a Drug Test After Every Accident?

The days when truck drivers would drive for 48 hours around the country on coffee and amphetamines should be long gone. This dangerous behavior is not only a bad choice, but also illegal. Since 1991 commercial driver license (CDL) holders have been subject to federally mandated drug and alcohol testing. If you are wondering whether [...]

By |October 21st, 2022|Blog, DOT Drug Testing|Comments Off on Do Commercial Drivers Get a Drug Test After Every Accident?

Compliance Checklist for Owner-Operators

For owner-operators, it’s critical for your business to stay in compliance with government regulations. Here’s an Owner Operator DOT compliance checklist to help you stay on top of the most common compliance requirements. 1) Drug and Alcohol Testing Owner-operators are required to participate in a Department of Transportation (DOT) Drug and Alcohol testing program. A [...]

By |July 20th, 2022|DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing, FMCSA Clearinghouse|Comments Off on Compliance Checklist for Owner-Operators

Converting From an Owner Operator to Employer

As an Owner Operator, when you take on employees, your DOT FMCSA requirements change. 1) Written Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy Owner Operators do not really need to have a written substance abuse policy. Employers do. FMCSA regulation Part 382 specifically requires that employers have a written policy that is distributed to each driver. 362.601 [...]

By |July 14th, 2022|DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing|Comments Off on Converting From an Owner Operator to Employer

Opiate Testing and Safety Concerns for Employers

The opioid epidemic presents serious challenges for employers. And most employers don't test for many commonly abused opioids. In 2018, the federal government added what is called "expanded opiates" to the DOT drug test panel. The expanded panel now includes many commonly prescribed pain killers and the result has been an increase in safety concern [...]

Failed DOT Drug Test – Stop Driving Immediately

Suppose you send a driver out with a shipment to a customer, and in the meantime, their DOT drug test results return positive. According to the FMCSA, the employer is legally obliged to remove the driver from their safety-sensitive duties immediately. That means immediately. Meaning NOW. However, with your shipment already on the way, and if you [...]

Are Your Drivers Eligible for Exemptions from Drug and Alcohol Testing?

Remaining Compliant Through COVID-19  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued an Enforcement Notice, extending the waiver of random drug and alcohol testing for certain interstate transportation employers involved in the Coronavirus response through Feb.28, 2021. The notice, released on Dec. 15, is part of the agency’s first-ever national Emergency Declaration, in response to [...]

By |January 26th, 2021|DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing|Comments Off on Are Your Drivers Eligible for Exemptions from Drug and Alcohol Testing?

DOT to Professional Drivers: Steer Clear of CBD Products

Use Can Lead to Positive Marijuana Test Can federally regulated truck drivers safely and legally use Cannabidiol (CBD) products? The simple answer is “No.” The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have made it clear that commercial drivers who use CBD products may test positive for marijuana, which [...]

The FMSCA May Allow Hair Sample Testing for Drug Screens in 2021

Urine Today, Your Hair 2021 It took an act of Congress and six years of waiting, but at long last federal guidelines for hair-sample drug tests specific to the trucking industry will be made available in 2021. The FAST Act (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act) was signed into law, December 2015,  with provisions for highway [...]