News and Information

FMCSA CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Will Provide Real-Time Data

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has published its final rule establishing requirements for the Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a database that will contain information about violations of FMCSA’s drug and alcohol testing program by the holders of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner’s permit (CLPs).

What does this mean for employers?

• Effective January 6, 2020, employers are required to conduct electronic queries with the Clearinghouse for current and prospective drivers’ drug and alcohol violations within the last three years before permitting them to operate a commercial motor vehicle on public roads. Additionally, through 2023, employers must conduct traditional manual inquiries for violations history with previous employers until the Clearinghouse has stored the required three years of data.
• Employers (as well as medical review officers, substance abuse professionals, and third-party administrators) must report drivers’ drug and alcohol violations to the Clearinghouse.
• Employers will be required to annually query the Clearinghouse for each driver they currently employ.

For more information, see the FMCSA Clearinghouse site or see the final rule.