The DOT has new requirements for workplace drug and alcohol test procedures, plus another forcing states to check truck driver records in its Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

The Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse-II regulation requires State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) to remove commercial driving privileges from truck drivers with a “prohibited” status in the Clearinghouse. A driver is considered prohibited if they engaged in drug or alcohol use or refused a drug or alcohol test.

The new requirement is intended to make it more difficult for drivers to continue operating after receiving a drug or alcohol violation.

Although FMCSA's efforts to streamline the driver verification process are helping fleets reduce risk via the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, it's also reduced the pool of qualified drivers.

The number of positive drug tests for marijuana and nearly all other substances identified among truck drivers declined in 2023 compared with 2022, according to FMCSA.

Suhash Harwani of Quest Diagnostics writes: the emerging evidence propels an argument that employers — particularly in the transportation sector — should stay vigilant on drug testing.

New Mexico lawmakers recently enacted legislation requiring federal Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse results be used before granting commercial driver licenses.

The total number of truck driver drug violations increased by 10% in 2021, compared with total numbers reported in 2020, according to a new federal Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse summary report.

The number of positive driver drug tests through August increased by nearly 13%, when compared with a year ago, according to a new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse summary report.

More than 56,000 drug and alcohol violations were recorded last year in a database intended to track truck drivers’ compliance history and prevent them from job-hopping in the event of a failed drug test.