Drug & Alcohol Test FAQs for Truckers · Compliance Guide

Both the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have a part in DOT inspection levels. The CVSA develops the criteria and sets the procedures for every inspection level. The FMCSA establishes overall regulations and determines which vehicles must be inspected.

DOT inspections can happen at any time. They most commonly happen during roadside stops and weigh stations. Carriers with higher risk, poor safety records, or hazardous material may be inspected more frequently.

Documents required during an inspection include but may not be limited to:

• State driver’s license or commercial driver’s license
• Medical examiner’s certificate
• Record of duty status
• Vehicle registrations
• Periodic inspections document for all vehicles being operated
• Shipping papers or bills of lading
• Information for hazardous materials being transported
• Proof of insurance

According to the FMCSA, the 5 most cited roadside violations are:

1. False Report of Driver’s Record of Duty Status: log falsification providing inaccurate or intentionally altered duty-status information.
2. No Record of Duty Status (ELD Required): using a commercial vehicle without the required electronic logging device or valid time records.
3. Inoperable Required Lamp: crucial lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, etc.) are not functioning properly.
4. Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle Without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
5. Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle Without Proof of a Periodic Inspection: failure to meet FMCSA the maintenance standards of a required annual inspection.

VMT is tracked to determine fuel tax obligations (Vehicle Miles Traveled Tax) used for road maintenance and improvements. Trucking companies must keep accurate records of VMT to ensure they pay the correct amount of taxes.

For motor carriers VMT must be updated every two years along with the MCS-150 form for the Biennial Update.

Yes, Electronic Legging Devices (ELDs), Fleet Management Apps, and Mileage Tracking Software are all technological advancements that can simplify the process of VMT tracking.

Accurate VMT records help document mileage for business-related tax deductions, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. It also supports fuel tax reporting by tracking the miles each vehicle travels in different jurisdictions, which is essential for state and federal fuel tax calculations. Proper tracking reduces errors, prevents penalties, and provides a clear record of operational costs.

• Your filing schedule depends on the last two digits of your USDOT number. The last digit corresponds with what month the form needs to be filed in. January is 1, February is 2, March is 3, etc. The next to last digit determines the year (odd-numbered year or even numbered year). For example, DOT number 1234567 files their biennial update in July (7) of every even year (6). Contact us today to see if you’re due.

While you can file your Biennial Update yourself for no cost through FMCSA. The process can often be confusing and time-consuming. Our team can handle your filing for you, simplifying the process for you.

Yes, even if carriers stay within state lines, a biennial update is still needed for their USDOT number.

• Failure to complete biennial update to FMCSA can be subject to fines with a maximum penalty of $10,000. If your update is past due, you can still file it to restore your compliance status. Contact us today to file your form! https://dotcompliancegroup.com/bu-update/ 

1. Civil Penalty Amount Increases
2. Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Becomes Exclusive Source for checking driver history.
3. ELD Technology Required
4. SMS (Safety Measurement System) Modernization
5. Crash Preventability Determination Program Expanded

The confirmed dates these regulations take effect is May 30, June 23, October 1, 2025.

Regularly reviewing your Safety Measurement System (SMS) scores and maintaining personal checklists for inspections, driver qualification files, and drug and alcohol testing helps catch issues before they affect audits. Partnering with DOT Compliance Group streamlines filings, reporting, and ongoing monitoring, taking the guesswork out of FMCSA regulations and keeping your operation audit-ready year-round.

A DOT compliance review is triggered when FMCSA wants to ensure a carrier is following safety regulations. Common triggers include high SMS safety scores, a history of crashes or violations, and previous noncompliance. Staying proactive with accurate records, driver files, and regular internal audits helps reduce the likelihood of a review.

DOT Compliance Group can assist with any help or questions you may have about FMCSA filings. Call 972-476-9962.

According to the Clearinghouse rules, drug and alcohol violations remain in the FMCSA Clearinghouse for five years, provided all requirements (such as completing the return‑to‑duty process) have been met before that period ends.

In practice, correcting an employer reporting error typically involves identifying the mistake in the database and then submitting a request for correction through the Clearinghouse portal or FMCSA procedures, so the record reflects accurate information. 

FMCSA rules allow civil penalties for non‑compliance, and separate authorities note that employers who fail to meet Clearinghouse requirements may face civil fines or criminal penalties under federal regulations.

Yes — trucking companies check the Clearinghouse as part of their hiring and compliance process. The FMCSA Clearinghouse is designed so employers can search a driver’s drug and alcohol violation records before permitting them to operate a commercial vehicle. Employers are required to conduct these queries for both prospective and current drivers as part of compliance.