What Happens After a DOT Drug Test Violation?
A positive result, a refusal, or an alcohol test at or above 0.04 sets off the same sequence, whatever your industry.
You come off safety-sensitive duty immediately
Your employer must remove you from all safety-sensitive functions as soon as the violation is confirmed. This isn't a disciplinary decision they're making — it's required.
Your employer gives you a list of SAPs
The employer must provide a list of qualified SAPs, free of charge. You are not required to choose from that list; you may hire any qualified SAP, including one you find yourself.
For CDL drivers, the violation goes into the Clearinghouse
FMCSA-regulated drivers are placed in “prohibited” status in the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, which every employer checks. That status lifts only after the SAP process and a negative return-to-duty test.
What you control
Two things, and they matter: how quickly you book the initial evaluation, and how quickly you complete whatever is recommended. Nothing else moves faster because you waited.
Ready to start?
Send a request and we'll call you back, usually within one business day.