Drug and Alcohol Programs Explained: DOT Drug Testing vs. Non-DOT Drug Testing
The U.S. Department of Transportation, commonly referred to as DOT, has a unique drug and alcohol testing policy with strict regulations and standards for employees in the transportation industry. The Department of Transportation drug testing program was designed to ensure that employees in safety-sensitive positions are drug and alcohol-free.?
Adherence to the DOT testing model is a requirement for any transportation company that crosses the Canadian/U.S. border. This means that any Canadian employee in the industry who travels to the U.S. for business must be enrolled in the program and tested within DOT protocols.
What is the difference between a DOT and non-DOT drug test?
When we compare DOT and non-DOT drug testing, we are actually talking about the different regulatory authorities and associated implications of each program, not necessarily specific testing methods. Here are some key differences to help understand the differences between DOT and non-DOT drug and alcohol testing programs:
Regulations
DOT drug tests are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and are mandatory for employees working in the specified transportation industries. DOT-regulated employers are subject to testing that is mandated by the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 49 CFR 382 and 49 CFR part 40 regulations.
Non-DOT drug tests fall under the discretion of individual employers or organizations that aren’t in transportation-related sectors. These can often be determined based on location or industry.
Industry Use
As we mentioned, DOT drug testing programs apply to employees in safety-sensitive positions within industries regulated by the DOT. This applies to those in the aviation, commercial motor vehicle carrier, pipeline, railroad, and transit sectors.
Non-DOT drug testing is available for employees in a multitude of industries or job roles and depends on the policies and processes established by the employer. Any organization that wants to maintain a safe work environment but may not necessarily have federal mandates to follow can implement non-DOT drug testing for safety sensitive positions.
Testing Procedure/Protocols
Within the DOT's drug testing program framework, employers are obligated to carry out various types of testing, including pre-employment drug testing, random drug testing, DOT post-accident drug and alcohol testing, reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing, and return-to-duty drug and alcohol testing.?
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The program mandates the involvement of certified laboratories for drug testing, and the results are reviewed and interpreted by certified Medical Review Officers (MROs).
Testing protocols for non-DOT programs may vary, and organizations have much more freedom to customize their drug programs when they don’t fall under DOT regulations. Individual employers have the freedom to determine their own policies. Some variations found in non-DOT drug testing are:
Employer/Employee Responsibilities
If a company that falls under DOT regulations is non-compliant, there can be serious consequences and penalties. This could include fines, suspensions, or the revocation of professional licenses.?
Consequences for non-compliance in non-DOT programs are determined by the specific policies each employer has in place. This often includes disciplinary actions like warnings, suspensions, or possibly termination.
CannAmm’s U.S. DOT drug and alcohol testing programs
Our U.S. DOT regulation experts provide accurate, up-to-date information and help you ensure regulation adherence.?
Our drug testing program maintains strict guidelines for the collection and testing of urine samples. All testing procedures must adhere to a strict chain of custody to prevent any tampering or contamination of the samples.
CannAmm’s advanced technology allows you to access your results 24/7, obtain live, up-to-date statistical reports anytime, and prepare U.S. DOT audit packages. Learn more about the services we offer to help you ensure U.S. DOT compliance.
It’s important for employers and employees to understand the specific requirements of DOT and non-DOT drug testing. To join the program or to learn more about DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements, connect with our knowledgeable team for assistance.