Which DOT violations require action?

Commercial drivers must go through the DOT return-to-work process if:

Driver:

Tested positive on a DOT drug test,

Fail the DOT alcohol test, or

Refuse to take a drug or alcohol test required by the DOT.

Car carriers have practical knowledge of how much alcohol a driver is drinking:

Within four hours of going to work,

When on duty,

Within eight hours of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) collision.

The car carrier actually knew that the driver used the following drugs:

listed on Schedule l (such as cannabis); or

https://gomdnow.com/Drugtest-service

is a non-Schedule I drug that affects a driver's ability to safely operate a CMV. If the doctor prescribing told the driver, it was safe to use it while on duty, it would not be a violation.

Practical knowledge occurs when a motor carrier is provided with information indicating a DOT test violation. This can be learned by:

the driver enters,

Drug or alcohol use observed by the carrier,

A traffic ticket for driving a CDL CMV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol,

As part of a DOT drug and alcohol investigation, a previous employer's response, or

CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Lookup.

When a motor carrier learns of a new employee's testing violation, it must obtain evidence that the driver has completed the return-to-work process. Otherwise, auto carriers will have to start the return-to-work process or pick up where they left off.

To restore safety-sensitive functions, the driver must complete the following return to work steps in Subpart O of Part 40.