DOT Adds Fentanyl to Workplace Drug Testing Panel
Published Date: 9/2/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Transportation is updating its drug testing rules to include fentanyl, a powerful opioid, to keep transportation safer. This change affects drivers and workers in transportation jobs and aligns DOT rules with health guidelines. The update also fixes some technical details and will roll out soon, helping catch drug use more accurately without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Fentanyl Added to DOT Drug Panel
The Department of Transportation proposes to add fentanyl (a synthetic opioid) and norfentanyl (its metabolite) to the list of drugs for which DOT requires testing. If you work in transportation and are subject to DOT drug testing, you may be tested for fentanyl and norfentanyl under these proposed changes.
Harmonize Testing with HHS Urine/Oral Guidelines
DOT proposes to amend 49 CFR part 40 to harmonize its drug-testing rules with the HHS Mandatory Guidelines for urine (UrMG) and oral fluid (OFMG) testing and to update laboratory testing standards. These changes would align DOT procedures with HHS standards and clarify certain existing part 40 program provisions.
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