When is a commercial driver required to undergo drug testing?
When your job puts the safety of you and others on the line, you might find it has some strict requirements about substances you need to avoid. Such is the case with commercial drivers. When exactly should commercial drivers expect to undergo drug tests? Some of our readers chimed in; keep reading below to find out.
After an Accident
A commercial driver is required to undergo drug testing when a driver is hired, randomly as part of a program, after being involved in an accident, or if the employer has reasonable suspicion that the driver is under the influence of drugs. The test may consist of either urine, blood, saliva, or hair samples and will be analyzed for evidence of illegal substances such as cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, and opiates.
The results of the test will be used to determine if a driver is impaired or not and could result in suspension or revocation of their commercial driving license. Employers may also require drug testing for certain types of jobs such as transporting hazardous materials or passengers. It is important that employers have strict drug testing policies to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. Drug testing is a way for employers to provide a safe and secure work environment for everyone involved.
In addition to drug tests, commercial drivers may also be subject to additional tests such as alcohol tests or physical examinations depending on the nature of their job. Commercial drivers are required to have valid driver’s licenses and must also maintain a clean driving record, as any violations or convictions can result in suspension or revocation of their license. Employers should keep records of employee drug tests and physical examinations for at least three years.
Drug testing is an important part of ensuring that commercial drivers are safe and reliable on the road. It can help reduce the number of accidents involving commercial vehicles, as well as protecting employers from potential liability for any accidents that occur due to impairment. Employers should ensure that they have a comprehensive drug testing program in place and follow all state and federal regulations regarding drug testing.
Pre-employment Screening
A commercial driver will be expected to undergo drug testing before they can be permitted to drive as a pre-employment (or returning to work) measure following an accident or citation involving fatality or injury, when there is reasonable suspicion of drug use, and for random testing.
A 5-panel drug test is done in most cases, and the substances screened for are marijuana, cocaine, PCP, opiates, and amphetamines/methamphetamines. [If] a 10-panel drug test is done, the substances screened for in addition to those previously mentioned are barbiturates, oxycodone, methadone, and benzodiazepines.
Exceptions for Private Property
Commercial drivers who operate on public roads must be tested for drugs and alcohol before they are officially employed. This goes for both full-time and part-time commercial drivers. Typically, they receive a 5-panel drug test, which detects THC, opiates, PCP, cocaine, and amphetamines through a urine sample. If they’re driving a CMV (commercial motor vehicle) solely on private property, they do not require these tests.
This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors’ statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.