When Is DOT Drug Testing Required?

To become a commercial driver, a person must undergo DOT drug testing. The Department of Transport regulates all the people who are employed as commercial drivers. In this role, the DOT monitors commercial drivers for excess alcohol and drug use. Commercial drivers must be sober at all times while at work. This is important both for the safety of the public and of the drivers themselves. Drug testing is part of the standard biannual DOT physical checkup that all drivers have to pass.

Why do commercial drivers need to pass DOT drug testing?

Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are large, dangerous machines. Alcohol and drugs severely impair a person’s judgment and coordination. This increases the chance of accidents. Accidents with such large vehicles can result in loss of life, serious injury or huge property damage. Commercial drivers of a sensible and sober disposition crash fewer trucks. Drivers need to pass the DOT drug testing to get a job in the transportation industry.

Who needs to get DOT drug testing?

Formally employed commercial drivers need the DOT drug testing. Some leisure activities may require a person to get a DOT physical and drug testing too. Drivers transporting 15 or more passengers for any purpose need to pass the DOT drug testing. As a general rule, all Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers have to get regular DOT physical and drug testing. A DOT physical qualifies a healthy person to become a commercial driver for two years.

There are three broad categories of employees who need to get DOT drug testing:

• Drivers whose job involves the transportation of 8+ passengers at a time
• Drivers transporting hazardous chemicals
• Drivers in charge of any vehicle over 10,000lbs (total load, including passengers and freight)

What does DOT drug testing involve?

DOT drug testing is performed as part of the standard regular physical every two years. A urine sample is taken during the exam. This sample is then tested for common narcotics. These include marijuana, cocaine, PCP, amphetamines and methamphetamines and opiates. Where there are other health concerns already, the doctor may include a blood test in the DOT physical as well.

Note that there is a potential crossover between legal medications and illegal narcotics. Some prescription opiates may show up on a drug test. Drivers should give all the information about their health conditions and medications. This will help prevent false positives on the test. The doctor at the checkup can answer further questions in detail about health issues and medications. Any non-negative result is referred for a higher review by the DOT.

Time to get your DOT drug testing

DOT drug testing generally occurs as part of the regular biannual physical checkup for all commercial drivers. Employees in other fields regulated by the DOT may have more or less frequent checkups. The health of the individual may also affect the frequency of DOT physicals and drug testing. Contact your local medical practitioner for more information.

Get more information here: https://spine-chiropractic.com or call Spine Chiropractic at (423) 910-2302

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.