FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

How we handle Clearinghouse Management

Managing Clearinghouse responsibilities on your own requires a lot of attention and time. Opting for our Clearinghouse services will grant you peace of mind, as you can rely on us to help with the registration process, conduct queries, and accurately report any violations.

Understanding Clearinghouse Management

truck driver

What is the FMCSA Clearinghouse

The FMCSA Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is an online database that retains information about violations of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Program incurred by holders of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner’s permits (CLPs). Employers of CDL drivers can access this information to ensure that all employees entrusted with safety-sensitive functions, including operating a CMV, are not prohibited from doing so due to a drug and alcohol program violation.

What is Clearinghouse record?

The Clearinghouse contains records of violations of drug and alcohol prohibitions in 49 CFR Part 382, Subpart B, including positive drug or alcohol test results and test refusals. When a driver completes the return-to-duty (RTD) process and follow-up testing plan, this information is also recorded in the Clearinghouse.

What is a query?

A query is an electronic check of a driver's record in the Clearinghouse. There are 2 types of queries: Full queries; Limited queries. Full queries - results will include detailed information about any drug and alcohol program violation, including the driver’s eligibility to perform safety-sensitive functions such as operating a CMV. All pre-employment queries must be full queries. Limited queries - results will determine if an individual driver’s Clearinghouse record has any information about resolved or unresolved drug and alcohol program violations. *All queries require driver consent, the type of consent depends on the query type.

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Clearinghouse requirements

Employers of CDL drivers

Working with CDL drivers automatically means that you have Clearinghouse duties. These are:

  • Report drug and alcohol violations. This includes alcohol test results with a concentration of .04 or greater, refusals to take an alcohol or drug test, as well as actual knowledge of a violation.
  • Report negative return-to-duty (RTD) test results and the successful completion of a driver’s follow-up testing plan.
  • Conduct queries to check if prospective employees are prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions, such as operating CMVs, due to an unresolved drug and alcohol program violation.
  • Query all current employees at least once a year. All queries require driver consent.
  • If it sounds like a lot to handle all on your own, you can fully rely on the Route One Drug Test to manage your Clearinghouse duties.
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Owner - Operators

Owner-operators are also required to register and use the Clearinghouse.

  • Designate a consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA) in the Clearinghouse.
  • Report drug and alcohol violations.
  • Report negative RTD test results and the successful completion of a driver’s follow-up testing plan.
  • Report violation information about other drivers employed by the owner-operator.
  • Query all prospective employees to see if they are prohibited from operating CMVs due to an unresolved drug and alcohol program violation.
  • All current employees, including yourself, must be queried at least once a year. All queries require driver consent. Queries may be conducted by owner-operators or C/TPAs.
  • As our client enrolled in our random consortium, we will assist you in complying with the FMCSA Clearinghouse rule.
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The Route One Drug Test difference

affordable rates iconAffordable rates
walk-ins allowed iconWalk-ins allowed
observed collections iconObserved collections
multilingual options iconMultilingual
options
after hours drug screening iconAfter hours
drug screening
exceptional customer service iconExceptional
customer service
Stress-free compliance with our

Online Management Platform

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By signing up, you'll gain access to our free online management portal to schedule tests, securely access results, and manage your testing process with ease. Ensure a safe and compliant workplace today!