Last updated : December 16, 2024
The DOT FMCSA released their first Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse report and marijuana far outpaces other drugs found in positive drug test results. The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse requires employers to report violations of drug and alcohol abuse by their employees, thereby improving safety on our Nation’s roadways.
The Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse statistics through May 2020 reveal that marijuana use among CDL drivers is significant. Nearly half of the reported drug violations were positive for marijuana (10,388 THC vs. 21,156 total positive drug tests). This statistic is not surprising given the fact that marijuana is being legalized by more and more states across the country for medical and recreational use (11 states now have recreational marijuana laws in effect). However, it’s important to note that these laws are in effect at the state level only. The federal government does not sanction the use of marijuana – even medical marijuana – and the presence of THC in a DOT drug test is considered to be a positive result.
The Clearinghouse went into effect in January 2020 and was created as an electronic database to capture positive drug and alcohol test results among CDL drivers in the FMCSA. Any positive result is documented in the Clearinghouse, allowing employers to check the records of prospective employees. The Clearinghouse is also used as a system where drivers can contact a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), obtain an evaluation and then enter a program for rehabilitation upon testing positive from drugs and/or alcohol.
Cocaine was the next highest drug of abuse at 3,192 positive results (15%), which is consistent with trends seen across the country over the last five years both in safety-sensitive and non-DOT related jobs according to Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index. The remaining drugs of abuse can be seen in the chart below. Note that of all of the positive results reported, 80% were drug violations and 20% were alcohol violations. This Clearinghouse report also includes the number of queries run so far this year, as well as Drivers who have entered the Return-to-Duty process.
The DOT has projected three years for the Clearinghouse database to reach completion. Until then, when a company hires a new driver, they must run a full query in the Clearinghouse as well as request in writing the applicant’s drug and alcohol test results. Any driver who is applying for a job must register themselves in the Clearinghouse, enabling the employer to run the query.
USA Mobile Drug Testing of Northeast Ohio proudly partners with many DOT customers to provide their drug and alcohol testing needs. Please contact us to learn more.
