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A man in a cap holds a clipboard outdoors. Text reads: "DOT COMPLIANCE GROUP. HAVE YOU JOINED A DRUG & ALCOHOL CONSORTIUM? DOT's Regulation 49CFR for Federal Motor Carriers (FMSCA) requires random drug and alcohol testing for companies with multiple employees (§382.303), as well as owner-operators (§382.103). We offer a program to help you meet this requirement.”

February 15, 2020

Navigate FMCSA CDL Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Guide

Change is something every business has to approach. No matter how big or small these changes are they can bring confusion. One big change in the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations is the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse rule.

Per FMCSA this rule will provide FMCSA and employers the necessary tools to identify drivers who are prohibited from operating a CMV, making roadways safer.

The Clearinghouse rule requires FMCSA regulated employers, medical review officers (MRO), substance abuse professionals (SAP), consortia/third-party administrators (C/TPA), & other service agents to report to the Clearinghouse information related to violations of the drug & alcohol regulations in 49 code of Federal Regulations, Parts 40 & 382 by current & prospective employees. To minimize confusion, you will need to know how to get started.

Employers, their drivers, and any prospective drivers will need to create an account at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/register. While creating your account you have the option to list administrators & a C/TPA for your account as well as purchase your query plan.

The reason you will want to list a C/TPA is because they will keep you in compliance with running your queries, reporting your violations, and walking you through the steps to get violations corrected.  

Per the Clearinghouse rule, each employer does have to run a full query on all prospective drivers as well as an annual, limited query for all current drivers. 

These queries will let you know if that driver has any violations that need to be taken care of before they can operate a CMV. Each full and each limited query does cost $1.25 each.

FAQ

What if I renewed my UCR with DOT Compliance Group last year?

If you renewed with us last year, please check your Customer portal. If auto-renewal is still active, your UCR will automatically renew. If you have turned off auto-renewal, you’ll need to submit your renewal here on this page.

If I Pre-Register for 2026 UCR, when will I be charged the total amount?

The total amount will be charged on October 1, 2026 for the 2026 year.

I am an Ag Exempt Farmer. Am I exempt from registering for UCR?

No, if you cross over state lines you are required to register for UCR. Your Ag exemption does not apply to UCR.

Who is Exempt from UCR?

Private Motor Carriers of Passengers and All Motor Carriers operating solely within Hawaii, except those involved in moving household goods for individual shippers.

What states do not currently participate in UCR?

Currently Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, Wyoming, & the District of Columbia are non-participating states. (This information is current as of 6-16-2023. For the most up-to-date information check the FMCSA website.)

If my base state is a non-participating state that means UCR does not apply to me, correct?

No, if you operate as an interstate carrier and cross into a state that does participate, then you are required to register with UCR.

If I am an Amazon or Postal Service Contractor do I have to register for UCR?

Yes. Even though you do not cross state lines, your parcels do. That makes you an Interstate carrier and you would be required to register at the 0-2 fleet size.

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