What is a DOT-covered safety-sensitive function?
A safety-sensitive function is work that a DOT agency rule defines as affecting public safety. Each agency has its own list.
For FMCSA, it covers all the time from when a CDL driver begins work, or must be ready to work, until relieved from work (49 CFR 382.107), including:
- Waiting to be dispatched.
- Inspecting, servicing, or conditioning the CMV.
- Driving, or being at the controls of, a CMV.
- Being in or on a CMV, except resting in a sleeper berth.
- Loading or unloading, or supervising loading or unloading.
- Attending a disabled vehicle.
Random alcohol tests may be conducted only just before, during, or just after performing safety-sensitive functions.