The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a national database of CDL drivers' drug and alcohol program violations. Every carrier must check it before hiring you and every year after.
What goes in it
- Positive drug tests and alcohol tests of 0.04 or higher.
- Refusals to test.
- Actual knowledge violations reported by an employer.
- Return-to-duty steps: SAP evaluation, follow-up testing.
How long it stays
Violations stay in the Clearinghouse for five years from the date of the violation, or until you finish the return-to-duty process, whichever is later.
Return to duty in short
- Evaluation with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
- Complete the education or treatment the SAP requires.
- Pass a return-to-duty test.
- Follow-up testing for at least 12 months (can be up to 5 years).
What it means for getting hired
Some carriers do not hire drivers with any violation in the last few years. Others will consider drivers who completed return-to-duty. Our guide on SAP and return to duty explains which doors stay open.
Check yourself
You can register for free on the Clearinghouse website and see your own record. Do it before you apply anywhere, so there are no surprises.
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