FMCSA Extends Clearinghouse for Driver Drug and Alcohol Violations
Published Date: 4/1/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing its approval to keep collecting info for the Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, which helps track truck and bus drivers who test positive for drugs or alcohol. This keeps everyone safer by making sure drivers complete the right steps before getting back on the road. If you’re involved with commercial driving, get ready to keep sharing and checking this info—comments are open until June 1, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Employers: Annual Queries and Fast Reporting
If you run a motor carrier or employ commercial drivers, you must query the Clearinghouse for each current driver at least once a year and query prospective hires as needed. Employers must report alcohol confirmations (≥0.04), refusals, actual knowledge of violations, negative return-to-duty (RTD) tests, and completion of follow-up testing by the close of the third business day after you obtain the information.
Drivers: Records Follow You; Consent Required
If you hold a CDL or CLP, positive tests, refusals, and related violation records are kept in the national Clearinghouse and follow you when you change employers or States. You must provide specific electronic consent for pre-employment queries through the Clearinghouse and can view your own Clearinghouse records.
Paperwork Burden: Respondents and Hours Estimate
FMCSA estimates 9,834,949 respondents for the Clearinghouse ICR, with an estimated total annual burden of 1,653,032 hours and an estimated time per response of 10 to 20 minutes; the ICR expiration date is August 31, 2026. The agency invites comments by June 1, 2026 on burden and ways to reduce it.
MROs and SAPs: Short Reporting Deadlines
Medical Review Officers (MROs) must enter verified positive, adulterated, or substituted drug results and drug-test refusals no later than 2 business days after verification. Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) must enter the initial assessment date and the date a driver completed RTD requirements by the close of business the day after the assessment or RTD completion.
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Department and Agencies
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