Understanding the Distinctions Between DOT and Non-DOT Drug Testing

Drug testing plays a vital role in ensuring workplace safety, productivity, and compliance with regulations. Two common categories of drug testing are DOT (Department of Transportation) and non-DOT drug testing. While both serve the purpose of identifying drug use, it is essential to understand their key differences. In this article, we will delve into [...]

By |May 31st, 2023|Blog, DOT Drug Testing|Comments Off on Understanding the Distinctions Between DOT and Non-DOT Drug Testing

Drug Testing and Donor Consent

Drug testing is an important practice for many organizations, particularly for those in the transportation industry. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific regulations regarding drug testing, which are designed to ensure the safety of both employees and the public. However, the issue of donor consent can be a complex one. What is DOT [...]

By |April 15th, 2023|DOT Drug Testing, Drug Testing Policy|Comments Off on Drug Testing and Donor Consent

Penalties for Non Compliance with DOT Regulations

In today's compliance-driven landscape, employers operating within the transportation industry must be keenly aware of their obligations under 49 CFR Parts 40 and 382. These regulations, established by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), outline strict requirements for drug and alcohol testing of safety-sensitive employees. Failure to adhere to [...]

By |April 13th, 2023|Blog, DOT Compliance, DOT Drug Testing|Comments Off on Penalties for Non Compliance with DOT Regulations

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 [...]