Does a Failed DOT Drug Test Go on Your Record? 

Does a Failed DOT Drug Test Go on Your Record?

By ASAP / Updated February 6, 2025 

Since the early 1990s, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has used drug and alcohol testing to monitor safety-sensitive transportation employees. This ensures that pilots, truck drivers, mass transit operators, and other professionals operate in drug-free and alcohol-free environments. Those who have recently gone through a DOT drug test and/or a DOT alcohol test, you may wonder, what happens after failing a DOT drug test and does a failed DOT drug test go on your record? The short answer is yes, it will go on your record, but that does not mean you are without options. 

Learn how failed DOT Drug Test Results are Reported 

 

FMCSA Failed Drug Test Results 

A failed DOT drug test and/or alcohol test is entered into the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and requires you to complete the Return-to-Duty process (RTD) with a qualified DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). In addition, if you refuse a DOT drug test, it is also considered a positive result and will be entered into the Clearinghouse as such. As of January 6, 2020, FMCSA drug and alcohol violations are reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse by Employers or Medical Review Officers.  

A failed DOT drug test and/or DOT alcohol test remains in the Clearinghouse until you successfully complete the RTD process. After you complete the DOT SAP process, the employer schedules you for an observed return to duty test. In addition, the employer reports the results of the follow-up test result along with the first and last dates of your follow up testing plan. Your record stays in the Clearinghouse for five years after successful completion of the DOT return-to-duty process and follow-up testing plan. 

 

CDL Failed Drug Test  

Your positive DOT drug test result shows in the Clearinghouse whether you have an account or not. The information is linked to your commercial driver’s license (CDL) number and issuing state. If you obtain a CDL in another state, the Clearinghouse will link your CDLs and the data connected to them. In 2024, Clearinghouse II was introduced and updates how a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is managed for drivers with a “prohibited” status in the Clearinghouse.  

You may review your Clearinghouse record for free at any time by becoming an authorized user. Keep in mind, your prospective employer is required to check for violations with past employers as well. As a DOT safety-sensitive employee, you hold the responsibility to provide violations to your prospective employer. 

 

Your Test Results Are Not Released Without Your Written Consent 

Your DOT drug test and/or alcohol test results are not accessible to the public. Only authorized users are allowed to access information in the Clearinghouse. Furthermore, the FMCSA will only share positive DOT drug tests with current or prospective employers, and/or their consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA), after you provide consent.  

You must register in the Clearinghouse to receive this full query consent from your current or prospective employer electronically, including pre-employment queries. For limited query consents, your current employer will provide you with a written consent. Failure to provide full or limited query consents will restrict current or prospective employers from allowing you to perform safety sensitive work. Drivers registered in the Clearinghouse can view their own record at any time. 

 

How to Return to Duty After a Failed DOT Drug Test 

A failed DOT drug test does not have to mark the end of your career. By completing, the RTD process through a qualified DOT SAP, you can be eligible to return to safety sensitive work again. The RTD process includes a one-on-one evaluation with a qualified DOT SAP, followed by personalized treatment or education. Upon completion, you will go through a follow-up evaluation with your SAP and the qualified DOT SAP recommends to the employer that you are eligible to for the observed return to duty DOT drug test. A negative result on the RTD DOT drug test is required to return to safety sensitive work and the employer and/or C/TPA for owner-operators marks the driver “not prohibited” in the Clearinghouse. 

American Substance Abuse Professionals, Inc. (ASAP), has successfully assisted over 300,000 employees in their return to work since 1997! Your trusted choice for nationwide DOT qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) services. Our trained and knowledgeable team support you through the Return-to-Duty (RTD) process compliant with DOT regulations.

Contact ASAP to enroll in the Return-to-Duty process after a failed DOT drug test. It is quick and easy. Call 888-792-2727 x177 to enroll today. 

 

Additional Reading: 

https://go2asap.com/dot-drug-test-procedures/ 

 https://go2asap.com/positive-test/return-to-duty-process/  

https://go2asap.com/blog/finding-DOT-qualified-SAPs/