5 Steps to Return to Duty Following a Dot Testing Violation

 Return to Duty Process:

1. Immediate response to DOT violations

When a driver engages in illegal drug or alcohol behavior, they must be immediately removed from performing all safety-sensitive functions. If in dispatch, the driver must be informed of the test results and instructed to stop. The notification usually involves arranging for the driver to go home and continue running with a different driver.

Employers must provide drivers with a list of Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) who have the appropriate certification and DOT training to perform driver assessments. The list must be provided free of charge and provided to the driver (or driver applicant) regardless of whether the carrier retains the driver.



2. Education and/or Therapy

Referrals by SAP for education and/or treatment programs are based on the driver's clinical assessment during the face-to-face meeting. SAP should be aware of available programs and consultants.

SAP may take into account the driver's ability to pay and insurance coverage. Once an SAP-approved provider is in agreement with the driver, SAP will facilitate referrals and provide the program with a diagnostic decision leading to a treatment plan. Programs range from outpatient treatment to partial or full inpatient resources.

3. Second SAP Assessment

Once the treatment plan is over, SAP will determine if it was successful. This decision is based on information provided by the education and/or treatment plan and another face-to-face assessment with the driver.

4. SAP report

If SAP is satisfied with the driver's ability to resume driving, SAP will issue a report to the Designated Employer Representative (DER). If required, this report will list any continuing treatment and education, as well as the number of DOT follow-up drug and/or alcohol tests required within the given time frame. Drivers will be required to undergo at least six unannounced follow-up tests in the first 12 months after reinstating safety-sensitive functions. SAP may require up to five years of follow-up testing.

5. Negative return to duty test

The DER must wait for approval in the SAP report before sending the driver for reinstatement drug and/or alcohol testing. All return-to-duty drug tests are conducted under direct observation. Auto carriers must report negative return-to-duty tests to the clearinghouse. In order to lift the "prohibited" status from the driver's record, both SAP and auto carrier submissions must be entered into the driver's record.

Once the clearinghouse no longer shows unresolved test violations, drivers can return to security-sensitive functions.

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