The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is establishing the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse will hold information on violations of the Department of Transportation (DOT) controlled substance and alcohol testing program for CDL holders. The purpose of this database is to prevent CDL holders with violations from moving from job to job and avoiding the repercussions of violations. The Clearinghouse closes current gaps, allowing prospective employers to obtain information on violations.
When will the Clearinghouse be available?
In the fall of 2019, you can begin registering for the Clearinghouse by establishing an account. The Clearinghouse will not become fully operational until January 6, 2020. Once operational, employers will be required to query both the Clearinghouse and request the drug and alcohol testing history from previous employers. When seeking violations, you must search three years of history. On January 6, 2023, the clearinghouse will replace the need for the previous employer requests. The information available in the Clearinghouse will be accessible for a minimum of five years. Each employer will be required to query the database as part of the pre-hire process, and again annually.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Employers, Medical Review Officers (MRO), and Substance Abuse Professionals will be required to report to the database. The reports will include any verified positive, adulterated, or substituted tests; any refusals to test; positive breath alcohol tests above 0.04; DUI citation and conviction records; actual knowledge of abusive substance use; and all return to duty and follow up results.
If you have any questions on the Clearinghouse, contact us at 1.800.452.0030!