FMCSA launches webpage about upcoming CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

March 8, 2019

•

Mark Schremmer

|

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration launched a webpage on Thursday, March 7, with information about the upcoming implementation of its CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

The webpage provides information about the clearinghouse, including a fact sheet, a list of frequently asked questions, and a place where truck drivers can sign up to receive email updates about the regulation, which is set to be implemented on Jan. 6, 2020. In December 2016, FMCSA published a final rule to establish a drug and alcohol clearinghouse and identified the roles and responsibilities of those who will be required to use the clearinghouse.

All CDL holders who operate a commercial motor vehicle on public roads will be affected by the regulation. The clearinghouse was mandated by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act.

“As this Congressional mandate is enacted, FMCSA’s goal is to provide as many resources and updates as possible to those who will be using the upcoming Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse,” FMCSA Administrator Ray Martinez said in a news release. “As we transition to the use of the clearinghouse, we will ensure drivers, employers and state licensing agencies are kept up to date throughout the implementation process. FMCSA is here to be helpful and to assist all commercial motor vehicle stakeholders who have questions.”

FMCSA says the clearinghouse will be a secure online database that will allow the agency, commercial motor vehicle employers, state driver licensing agencies and law enforcement officials to identify in real time CDL holders who have violated federal drug and alcohol testing requirements.

Registration for the clearinghouse is scheduled to begin this fall. By Jan. 6, 2020, “employers must conduct electronic queries within the clearinghouse and manual inquiries with previous employers to cover the preceding three years.”

The FMCSA website also offers information for drivers regarding the drug and alcohol testing rules.

 

Related News

broker fraud

Federal

FMCSA sharpening focus on broker fraud

While a broker transparency rule pends, FMCSA has taken other measures to address broker fraud, including a new Registration Fraud Team.

By Tyson Fisher | April 25

underride

Federal

Divided underride committee debates validity of NHTSA’s data

The validity of NHTSA’s cost-benefit analysis regarding a side underride guard mandate was debated by an advisory committee.

By Mark Schremmer | April 25

cargo theft

Federal

Feds warn carriers about cargo theft scheme

Cargo theft in the U.S. continues to climb. The FBI is warning carriers about a sophisticated scheme that has cost the industry millions.

By Land Line Staff | April 24

AEBs

Federal

AEB light vehicle rule approaches finish line

The White House Office of Management and Budget has completed the review of a final rule to mandate AEBs for new light vehicles.

By Mark Schremmer | April 23

Mark Schremmer, senior editor, joined Land Line in 2015. An award-winning journalist and former assistant news editor at The Topeka Capital-Journal, he brings fresh ideas, solid reporting skills, and more than two decades of journalism experience to our staff.