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My company is small and operates only a few trucks as part of our business. Do the DOT regulations apply to us?

Yes. DOT’s drug and alcohol regulations apply to private companies that operate trucks to conduct business. This includes companies that operate trucks to carry materials to and from jobsites or to deliver products to customers. The regulations do not exclude a private company because of its fleet size.

Do the regulations apply to private companies, who lease, rather than employ, their drivers?

Yes. It does not matter whether drivers are employed by the company or leased from another source. Although some leasing companies will conduct drug and alcohol tests as part of their leasing service, DOT will hold the carrier, not the leasing company, responsible for violations.

Do DOT requirements apply to a company’s existing drivers or only to new drivers?

DOT requirements apply to both existing drivers and new drivers.

Which drivers must be tested?

DOT requires testing for any driver who must have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) to operate a vehicle.

Under what circumstances will a driver have to be tested?

Pre-employment, Post Accident, Randomly, Reasonable Suspicion, Return to Duty, and Follow up Testing.

Are there time restrictions on when a driver must be tested following an accident?

Yes. Under DOT regulations a driver has to be tested for drugs within 32 hours of a DOT accident. A driver must be tested for alcohol within 8 hours of a DOT accident. In addition, a driver is prohibited from using alcohol for 8 hours or until the post-accident test is performed, whichever occurs first.

 

How can I comply with random testing as a small company?

You can join a consortium with a multitude of other small companies. The consortium will guarantee compliance with the DOT regulations as well as be responsible for all mandatory record keeping.