Failing a drug test is serious business. It’s no wonder that the Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates that safety-sensitive employers immediately remove drivers from service until the issue is resolved. There may be some type of error that caused a false positive result. If that’s not the case, the driver can’t get behind the wheel Read more »
Compliance
What are DOT Drug Testing Cutoff Levels?
In addition to pre-employment drug testing, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all safety-sensitive employees submit to random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug testing as required after hire. The drug testing procedure is well documented from start to finish to lessen the chance of error. Included in the process are regulations for laboratories approved Read more »
SAMHSA to Publish Hair Testing Guidelines in May
After a years-long wait for safety-sensitive employers who looked forward to ditching the urine drug test, there’s hope in sight. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is ready to publish its proposed guidelines for hair testing in May 2025. To say that it’s been a long time coming could be considered an Read more »
What is the DOT Chain of Custody?
The purpose of the Department of Transportation (DOT) chain of custody procedures is to ensure the integrity of the department’s numerous rules and regulations. These are in place to provide safe travel for the public traveling within the United States. Employers of the safety-sensitive workforce are mandated to follow the DOT’s policies and procedures to Read more »
No Detours Allowed RE: DOT Drug Testing
The Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees the safety-sensitive workforce to keep our roads and other means of travel safe for the public. Safety-sensitive employers must follow strict rules and regulations to comply with the federal government to avoid penalties and fines. The DOT drug testing program is no exception; in addition to fines and penalties, Read more »
When an Employee Fights a Failed DOT Drug Test
The Department of Transportation (DOT) doesn’t sway from demanding compliance from employers who hire a safety-sensitive workforce. There are many rules and regulations to adhere to if employers want to remain in compliance. The DOT drug test was incorporated into the mandates to ensure that drivers aren’t impaired while on the road. Its design, of Read more »
ODAPC Releases DOT Oral Fluid Collectors Guidelines
On January 15, 2025, the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) released the “DOT Oral Fluid Specimen Collection Procedures Guidelines.” The Department of Transportation (DOT) published its final rule on May 2, 2023, authorizing employers to use oral fluid testing as an alternative to the urine drug test. The ODAPC provided the Read more »
Duties of a DOT DER
Small business owners operating a drug-free workplace and employing the general workforce often handle the employee drug testing program themselves. They could be known as the company’s Designated Employer Representative (DER). The Department of Transportation (DOT) created the title for that position as part of its drug testing protocol. The DOT oversees employers of the Read more »