What is the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse?
The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a secure online database that helps employers, government agencies, and other authorized parties track drug and alcohol program violations by commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. Registration is mandatory for:
- Employers of CDL drivers
- CDL drivers
- Consortia/Third-Party Administrators (C/TPAs)
- Medical Review Officers (MROs)
Why is Clearinghouse Registration Important?
Registration ensures that:
- Employers can perform pre-employment and annual driver queries.
- Violations, such as positive drug tests or refusals to test, are promptly reported.
- Employers meet their federal compliance requirements.
Non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, and disruption to your operations.
Our Services
We make the registration process simple and stress-free. Our services include:
Clearinghouse Registration Assistance
- Setting up your account with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
- Ensuring all required information is correctly submitted.
- Linking your business to a C/TPA if needed.
Driver Registration
- Helping your CDL drivers register on the Clearinghouse.
- Guiding drivers through the process to ensure readiness for employment checks.
Compliance Management
- Querying the Clearinghouse for pre-employment and annual compliance checks.
- Keeping your business up to date with federal requirements.
FAQ
Q: What is the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse?
A: The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is an online database maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that tracks commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders’ drug and alcohol program violations. It helps employers, state licensing agencies, and enforcement officials ensure compliance with the FMCSA’s drug and alcohol testing regulations.
Q: Who is required to register in the Clearinghouse?
A: The following entities must register in the Clearinghouse:
- Employers of CDL holders
- CDL drivers
- Medical review officers (MROs)
- Substance abuse professionals (SAPs)
- Consortium/Third-Party Administrators (C/TPAs)
Q: What types of violations are recorded in the Clearinghouse?
A: Violations recorded include:
- Positive drug or alcohol test results
- Refusals to test
- Alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater during testingEmployers’ reports of actual knowledge of drug or alcohol use, such as:
- On-duty use of drugs or alcohol
Pre-duty alcohol use- Alcohol use following an accident
- Completion of the return-to-duty process and follow-up testing plans
Q: How does the Clearinghouse benefit employers?
A: The Clearinghouse allows employers to:
- Check if current or prospective employees have unresolved drug or alcohol violations.
- Ensure drivers complete the required return-to-duty process after a violation.
- Improve safety by ensuring that only qualified drivers operate commercial vehicles.
Q: What is the cost to use the Clearinghouse?
A: Employers must purchase query plans to access driver information. Prices vary based on the number of queries needed. Limited queries confirm no violations are on record, while full queries provide detailed violation information.
Q: How long is information retained in the Clearinghouse?
A: Violations remain in the Clearinghouse for five years from the date of the violation or until the driver completes the return-to-duty process, whichever is later.
Q: What penalties exist for non-compliance with Clearinghouse requirements?
A: Employers and drivers who fail to comply with Clearinghouse regulations may face penalties, including fines and possible disqualification from operating commercial vehicles.
Q: How often must employers query the Clearinghouse?
A: Employers are required to:
- Conduct a pre-employment full query for all prospective drivers.
- Perform annual limited queries for all currently employed drivers.
Q: What is the return-to-duty process?
A: After a violation, drivers must:
- Be evaluated by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
- Successfully complete any recommended treatment or education.
- Pass a return-to-duty test with a negative result.
- Be subject to follow-up testing as prescribed by the SAP.
Q: How do state licensing agencies use the Clearinghouse?
A: State driver licensing agencies (SDLAs) use the Clearinghouse to:
- Verify that CDL or commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders are eligible to operate commercial vehicles.
- Ensure compliance with federal regulations.
Q: What should an employer do if they discover a driver violation in the Clearinghouse?
A: Employers must:
- Remove the driver from safety-sensitive duties immediately.
- Ensure the driver completes the return-to-duty process before resuming work.
For more information contact our support team.