Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse FMCSA

If you're a truck driver operating in the United States, understanding the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Substance Abuse and Alcohol Registry is crucial. This registry, referred to as the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, serves as a centralized database containing records of violations pertaining to substance abuse and alcohol by drivers subject to FMCSA regulations.

Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the Clearinghouse.

What is the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse?

he Clearinghouse is an online database designed to store records of drug and alcohol violations by commercial drivers regulated by the FMCSA. It was established to enhance road safety by providing employers and the FMCSA with a centralized tool to identify drivers prohibited from engaging in safety-sensitive activities due to substance abuse.

Driver Drinking Alcohol

Who is subject to the Clearinghouse?

All drivers of commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses, subject to FMCSA regulations are included in the Clearinghouse. This encompasses drivers with commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) as well as those operating commercial vehicles of any size.

What information is recorded in the Clearinghouse?

The Clearinghouse houses data on:

  • Drug and alcohol test results: This includes positive results, test refusals, and violations of FMCSA regulations related to substance abuse.

  • Return-to-work (RTW) evaluations: Records also encompass information on RTW evaluations required for drivers who have tested positive for drugs or alcohol.

  • Violations of drug and alcohol regulations: Any violation of FMCSA regulations tied to substance abuse is logged in the Clearinghouse.

How does this affect drivers?

For drivers, the Clearinghouse carries several implications:

  1. Consent requirements: Drivers must grant consent before employers can access their information in the Clearinghouse.

  2. Violation notifications: Drivers receive notifications when information about them is added to the Clearinghouse, allowing them to take necessary steps to comply with regulations.

  3. Employment impact: Clearinghouse violations can impact a driver's eligibility for employment or retention of their job.

What should drivers do?

Drivers should register in the Clearinghouse and grant consent to their employers to access their information in the database. Additionally, they should be aware of their rights and responsibilities concerning the Clearinghouse, including proper handling of RTW evaluations and any information related to violations.

In summary, the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse serves as a crucial tool for improving road safety by monitoring and controlling substance abuse among commercial drivers in the United States. All drivers subject to FMCSA regulations should be familiar with the Clearinghouse and comply with its requirements.