Employers who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial driver’s permit (CLP) are required to have a drug and alcohol testing program that complies with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). Mark your calendar for January 6, 2020 because that is when a new online database will be implemented – the FMCSA’s Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
It’s designed to enhance safety on our nation’s roadways by making use of the Clearinghouse mandatory to report and query information about driver drug and alcohol program violations. Employers will be required to conduct both electronic queries within the Clearinghouse and manual inquiries with previous employers. Employers, FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies and State law enforcement personnel will have real-time access to quickly identify drivers who are not legally permitted to operate CMVs due to drug and alcohol program violations. The Clearinghouse will ensure that drivers who committed any violations first complete the necessary return-to-duty steps before getting back behind the wheel.
Registration begins in fall 2019 – that’s when users can establish an account that will allow access to the Clearinghouse once it becomes operational on January 6, 2020. Click here to download a Clearinghouse factsheet from the FMCSA.
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