DOT has very specific rules for DOT Post-Accident Drug and Alcohol Tests. Fender benders do not apply.

A DOT Post-Accident Drug Test must be conducted within 32 hours of the accident and a DOT Post-Accident Breath Alcohol Test as soon as possible, but always within 8 hours.

If the accident does not meet the criteria in the chart below, an employer can, in fact, conduct a post-accident drug test, but it would not be a DOT test. That is, the collector would use a Forensic form and not the Federal.

The following comes directly from the DOT FMCSA web site.

DOT drug and alcohol tests include:

  • Pre-employment – An employer must receive a negative drug test result before permitting a CDL driver to operate a CMV. (§382.301).
  • Post-accident – Drug and alcohol tests may be required after crashes according to the following chart (§382.303):
Type of Accident Involved Citation Issued to the CMV Driver Test Must Be Performed by Employer
Human Fatality Yes Yes
Human Fatality No Yes
Bodily Injury With Immediate Medical Treatment Away From the Scene Yes Yes
Bodily Injury With Immediate Medical Treatment Away From the Scene No No
Disabling Damage to Any Motor Vehicle Requiring Tow Away Yes Yes
Disabling Damage to Any Motor Vehicle Requiring Tow Away No No
  • Random – CDL drivers must be randomly tested throughout the year (§382.305); an employer who employs only himself/herself as a driver, who is not leased to a motor carrier, shall implement a random testing program of two or more covered employees in the random testing selection pool as a member of a consortium (see §382.305 interpretation 11)
  • Reasonable suspicion – Drivers who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be immediately tested (§382.307). Employers must train CDL driver supervisors to detect the symptoms of driver impairment (§382.603).
  • Return-to-duty – Required for drivers who tested positive, refused, or otherwise violated the prohibitions of 49 CFR Part 382 Subpart B; and who have completed the return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional. This test is directly observed, and a negative result is required before resuming driving duties (§382.309 and §40.305).
  • Follow-up – Required for drivers who tested positive, refused, or otherwise violated the prohibitions of 49 CFR Part 382 Subpart B; and who have completed the return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional, and have tested negative for a return-to-duty test. This testing is prescribed by the substance abuse professional for a minimum of 6directly observed tests in 12 months, but can be extended an additional four years (§382.311 and §40.307).