DOT regulations differ from Clearinghouse requirements

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Sept. 17, 2019 - PRLog -- DOT regulations cover skills and knowledge tests for CDL drivers

DOT regulations that pertain to commercial driver's license (CDL) holders and applicants are different from those mandated by the new CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium (WDTC) is working to assist employers and owner-operators with understanding the differences between DOT regulations and Clearinghouse requirements prior to the national database going live on January 4, 2020.

The DOT requires states to issue CDLs to certain commercial motor vehicle drivers only after the driver passes knowledge and skills tests administered by the state, and related to the type of vehicle the driver expects to operate.

The Clearinghouse will contain information pertaining to violations of the DOT's controlled substances (drug) and alcohol testing program for holders of CDLs. The Clearinghouse will provide the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and employers with the tools necessary to identify drivers who are prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle based on DOT drug and alcohol program violations.

Updated DOT regulations for CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

The FMCSA has enhanced the frequently asked questions (FAQ) portion of its CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse website. Visitors now have access to more than 50 questions and answers, with a filter option that allows for browsing by general topics including:

• General information
• Registration
• Security
• Queries and consent requests
• Reporting violations
• Return to duty
• Cross-border transportation

The Clearinghouse will enable employers to identify drivers who commit a violation while working for one employer, but who fail to subsequently inform another employer as required by current DOT regulations. A DOT pre-employment drug test remains a requirement for employment with a new employer.

Employers and drivers should not unsubscribe from emails pertaining to DOT regulations or the Clearinghouse.

About Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium

Wisconsin Drug Testing Consortium is an accredited, Certified Third Party Administrator (C-TPA), and specializes in consortium management; a variety of drug testing methods, including urine, hair and fingernails; post-accident testing; pre-employment drug tests; criminal background checks; supervisor training programs to keep employees compliant with DOT regulations; pre-employment DOT physicals; and paternity DNA testing. Headquartered in Green Bay, WDTC also has offices in Oshkosh, Appleton, Fond du Lac and Madison, Wisconsin. Call 888-784-8842 or visit www.widrugtesting.com for more information.

View original article on DOT regulations here.