Controlled Substance & Alcohol Testing (CSAT)


Transportation Compliance Services, USA (TCS) is a leading C/TPA that offers companies a solution to the burden and confusion of managing their drug and alcohol testing program.

As an employer, you have a responsibility to implement and conduct drug and alcohol testing programs. Want to learn about drug and alcohol regulations and how they affect your business?

What is a DOT Drug Test?

It's a drug test that is regulated by the government - specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT).

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), along with the Department of Transportation (DOT), requires that persons subject to the commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements and their employers follow alcohol and drug testing rules. These rules include procedures for testing, frequency of tests, and substances tested for.

Who Do I Test?

Generally, all CDL drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles subject to the CDL requirements on public roads in the U.S. are performing safety-sensitive functions and are subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing (§382.103). This includes all full-time, part-time, intermittent, backup and international drivers.

When DO I test?

  • Pre-employment – An employer must receive a negative drug test result before permitting a CDL driver to operate a CMV (§382.301).
  • Post-accident – Drug and alcohol tests may be required after crashes (§382.303).
  • Reasonable suspicion – Drivers who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be immediately tested (§382.307). You need to train CDL driver supervisors to detect the symptoms of driver impairment (§382.603).
  • Return-to-duty – Required for drivers who tested positive, refused, or otherwise violated the prohibitions of 49 CFR Part 382 Subpart B; and who have completed the return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional. This test is directly observed, and a negative result is required before resuming driving duties (§382.309 and §40.305).
  • Follow-up – Required for drivers who tested positive, refused, or otherwise violated the prohibitions of 49 CFR Part 382 Subpart B; and who have completed the return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified substance abuse professional, and have tested negative for a return-to-duty test. This testing is prescribed by the substance abuse professional for a minimum of 6 directly observed tests in 12 months, but can be extended an additional four years (§382.311and §40.307).