A Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) drug (or alcohol) test is a test done under Federal DOT authority on a DOT-regulated employee, meaning that person is in a particular safety-sensitive position. A Non-DOT drug or alcohol test is typically done under an employer’s authority and policy. The employee does not have to necessarily perform specific duties to qualify.

A written Drug Free Workplace policy is required by DOT. Non DOT written Drug Free Workplace Policies protect employers legally and spell out the employer’s policies on drug and alcohol testing and violation consequences. valiant life recommends our clients have a written DOT and Non DOT Drug Free workplace policy.

valiant life recommends mirroring DOT testing requirements which are: Pre-employment, Random, Post Accident and Reasonable Suspicion, Return to Duty and Follow-up testing.

Drug tests do not test for CBD however they do test for THC, the chemical in marijuana that produces the “high”. CBD products do contain variable amounts of THC, (because CBD products are not regulated by the FDA), that can be detected on a urine drug screen as a positive test. We recommend that your Drug free workplace policy addresses the use of CBD products. Please note: Some states have specific CBD laws.

The FMCSA Clearinghouse provides FMCSA and employers the necessary tools to identify drivers who are prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle based on DOT drug and alcohol program violations and ensure that such drivers receive the required evaluation and treatment before operating a CMV on public roads.

Most Negative results report in 24 – 48 hours, after the specimen reaches the laboratory. Non Negative results may take longer because of confirmation testing and MRO review.

Random testing means selecting employees for a test by a scientifically valid and documentable random process. Testing is conducted on an unannounced basis. Using a computer generated random selection process from a pool of all employees included in the employer’s drug free workplace program. DOT regulations mandate specific random testing percentages yearly for each different DOT mode.(FMCSA, FAA, FRA, PHMSA,USCG, FTA). Random selection percentages can be personalized for Non DOT random testing programs.

Reasonable suspicion testing must be based on individualized suspicion that a particular employee is working under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol. Employers must document facts that have been observed by management or a supervisor that have been trained to recognize and document signs and symptoms that would suggest to a reasonable person that the individual is under the influence in violation of company policy.