You are going to take a drug test, and the question “Will my CDL be suspended if I fail a drug test” keeps sticking in your mind. The answer is No, your CDL is not suspended if you fail a drug test. However, there are certain consequences affecting your driving job. Since drug tests are administered by the Department of Transportation to ensure safety on the road, these consequences to the drug test’s failure are unavoidable.
Now, let’s scroll down to see what will happen if you fail a drug test!
Will my CDL be suspended if I fail a drug test?
No, your CDL will not be suspended if you fail a drug test. However, since this test is designed to make sure all the CDL drivers are all drug-free and hold a high level of responsibility on the road, failure to comply definitely leads to several punishments.
Immediate Removal
If you fail a drug test as a CDL driver, the federal regulations require their immediate removal from any safety-sensitive duties. This includes driving any commercial vehicle, performing vehicle inspections, and even handling transportation-related tasks that could affect public safety.
This punishment is crucial for maintaining road safety and protecting other drivers, passengers, and the CDL driver themselves. Until the driver completes the required return-to-duty process, they can not legally engage in any work involving direct action underscores the importance of a drug-free environment for those in high-responsibility positions.
Prohibition of driving commercial vehicles
One thing should be noted is that failing a drug test does not automatically result in a suspended or revoked CDL license. However, until a driver complies with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s regulations, they are prohibited from operating any commercial vehicles.
Additionally, the failed test will be recorded in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, which is accessible to employers and regulatory agencies. This means that you might be under stricter control after returning to work, and any repeated violations can immediately lead to much severe punishment such as license suspension or permanent revocation of driving privileges.
To regain driving privileges after a failed drug test, a CDL driver must complete the FMCSA-mandated return-to-duty process. This process includes
- Evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP): The driver must meet with an FMCSA-qualified SAP, who will assess their substance use and determine the necessary treatment or education plan.
- Completion of Treatment or Education Program: Based on the SAP’s recommendations, the driver may need to complete a treatment program or attend education sessions focused on substance use awareness.
- Follow-up assessment: After completing the recommended program, the driver returns to the SAP for a follow-up assessment to ensure they have met all requirements and are ready for testing.
- Return-to-Duty Drug Test: The driver must pass a drug test, demonstrating they are no longer under the influence and are fit to resume safety-sensitive duties.
Once you pass the Return-To-Duty drug test, you are now eligible to resume safety-sensitive duties, including driving commercial vehicles, as long as you comply with any additional follow-up requirements.
FAQs
1. Will a failed DOT CDL drug test show up on a background check?
Yes, a failed DOT drug test will show up on background checks accessed by new employers through the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. This record includes failed tests and is accessible to employers conducting pre-employment screenings for CDL drivers, remaining visible for five years or until the return-to-duty process is completed.
2. What happens to your CDL if you fail a DOT drug test twice?
Failing a DOT drug test twice can lead to severe consequences, including termination and possible revocation of your CDL by employers or state authorities.
3. How long does a failed DOT drug test stay on your CDL record?
A failed DOT drug test remains on record in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for five years or until you successfully complete the return-to-duty process, whichever is longer. This record is accessible to future employers and can impact hiring decisions within that period.
4. How far back does a CDL drug test go?
Each drug has a different detection time frame as stated below
- Amphetamines: about two or three days.
- Cocaine: a day and a half for one time use, and about three days for long-time users.
- Marijuana: About three days or less for one time use, and one month for chronic users.
- Opioids: from two to five days depends on types of substance.
- Phencyclidine: eight days.
5. How do you remove a failed DOT drug test from my CDL report?
Unfortunately, you can not remove a failed DOT drug test from your record since the FMCSA’s regulations ask for all drug test results to be sent to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. However, good news is that the failed test will be automatically removed from the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse’s archive after five years.
Final thoughts
In short, while drug test failure does not directly lead to your CDL’s suspension, you have to carry punishment like immediate removal from any safety-sensitive driving tasks or prohibition from driving commercial vehicles until they complete the return-to-duty process. Now is your question “Will my CDL be suspended if I fail a drug test” answered? Should anything confusing, leave your question below for further discussion.
