Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements for Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers

Random drug and alcohol testing is mandatory for all Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers.

49 CFR § 382.305 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) states:

“Every employer shall comply with the requirements of this section, which includes submitting to random alcohol and controlled substances testing.”

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) alcohol and drug testing regulations apply to all individuals and their employers who operate a CMV in commerce in any state and are subject to:

• The Commercial Driver’s License requirements (49 CFR Part 383)
• The Licencia Federal de Conductor (Mexico) requirements
• The Commercial Driver’s License requirements of the Canadian National Safety Code

The Med-Stop Random Service complies fully with all applicable DOT rules, regulations, and guidelines.

Owner-Operator / Single-Employee DOT Random Selection

A DOT-regulated employer who employs only himself or herself as a driver must implement an alcohol and controlled substances testing program that includes more than just themselves in the random testing pool.

Therefore, an owner-operator must join a consortium in order to remain compliant with DOT random testing requirements.

Note: At this time, the Med-Stop Random Selection Service does not support the consortium model.

While your company may still activate the Med-Stop Random Service, please note the following:

• If the average number of pool members is fewer than two, random selections will not be generated, and the pool will remain inactive.
• Once the pool includes two or more covered employees, random selections will be generated, and you may use the Med-Stop Random Service to meet DOT alcohol and drug testing requirements.

DOT Regulation Reference

49 CFR § 382.103 – Applicability

(b) An employer who employs himself or herself as a driver must comply with both the employer and driver requirements of this part.

An employer who is also the sole driver must implement a random alcohol and controlled substances testing program that includes at least two covered employees in the random testing pool.