FMCSA Renews Truck Driver Pee Test Database—Comments Welcome
Published Date: 8/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing its approval to keep running the Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a system that helps track drivers who test positive for drugs or alcohol. This affects nearly 10 million drivers, employers, and related groups, ensuring safety by making sure drivers complete the return-to-duty process before getting back on the road. Comments on this renewal are open until September 3, 2026, with no new fees involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Clearinghouse Renewal Keeps Tracking
FMCSA is renewing approval to continue the Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, which affects an estimated 9,834,949 respondents and has an estimated total annual burden of 1,653,032 hours. The renewal continues the system that tracks drivers who test positive or refuse tests and ensures drivers complete the required return-to-duty process before resuming safety-sensitive work. Comments on the renewal are due by September 3, 2026, and the ICR expires August 31, 2026; FMCSA states there are no new fees involved.
Querying and Reporting Deadlines Imposed
Employers (or their agents) must query the Clearinghouse for each current driver at least once a year and query prospective employees as needed; employers must report alcohol confirmation tests with concentration >= 0.04, refusals, actual knowledge of violations, negative return-to-duty testing, and completion of follow-up plans by the close of the third business day after obtaining the information. Medical Review Officers must enter verified positive/adulterated/substituted drug results and drug refusals no later than 2 business days after verification; Substance Abuse Professionals must enter initial assessment dates and return-to-duty completion by the close of the business day after those events. Drivers must provide general consent to employer queries and specific electronic consent for pre-employment queries; State Driver Licensing Agencies may query before specified licensing transactions.
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Key Dates
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