DOT Follow-up Testing Requirements

After a driver who had a positive result on a drug or alcohol test has been evaluated by a Substance Abuse Professional (S.A.P.) and passed a return-to-duty test, he may be returned to work. The DOT requires that the driver have a series of substance abuse follow-up tests over the course of the next year or more.

The testing may be for alcohol, drugs or both as designated by the Substance Abuse Professional (S.A.P.).

As a reminder, the sequence is as follows:
(1) A driver tests positive for alcohol or drugs
(2) The employer decides to retain the driver.
(3) The driver is evaluated by a licensed S.A.P.
(4) The S.A.P. determines what treatment the driver should undergo.
(5) The driver has a negative return-to-duty test and returns to work.
(6) The driver is required to have follow-up testing for a period of no less than one year.

The number of tests and the length of the testing program are determined by the S.A.P. based on his or her evaluation of the driver’s particular substance abuse issues. The D.O.T. requires that the driver undergo no less than six follow-up tests in the next twelve months, but follow-up sequences can go on for years as necessary.