DOT Alcohol Test

A Department of Transportation (DOT) alcohol test is a federally regulated screening method, such as a breathalyzer or saliva test, used to determine an individual's blood alcohol concentration (BAC). These tests are essential for maintaining public safety and ensuring employees in safety-sensitive roles are not under the influence of alcohol while performing their duties. Positions such as commercial drivers, pilots, train operators, and transit workers all fall under DOT testing requirements. DOT alcohol testing helps prevent accidents, reduce liability, and uphold the integrity of transportation operations across the country.

DOT alcohol testing is a critical component of workplace safety programs and is enforced under federal regulations outlined in 49 CFR Part 40. These tests must be administered using approved methods and trained professionals, and employers are responsible for ensuring all testing protocols are properly followed. Accredited Drug Testing offers nationwide DOT-compliant alcohol testing services to help employers meet their regulatory obligations quickly, conveniently, and accurately. Our team of certified professionals delivers testing you can trust, with immediate reporting and full documentation support.

Key aspects of DOT alcohol testing:

Purpose: To detect alcohol use and impairment in safety-sensitive positions. Alcohol consumption can impair motor skills, judgment, and reaction times—making it dangerous for those responsible for operating vehicles or managing public safety.
Methods: Breathalyzers or saliva tests are used. Breath testing devices must be evidential breath testing (EBT) units approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and administered by trained technicians.
DOT Regulations: The Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates these tests under the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991. This law applies to all transportation modes, including FMCSA, FAA, FTA, FRA, PHMSA, and USCG, and helps ensure that alcohol testing is conducted uniformly and fairly.
Who is tested: Employees in safety-sensitive roles in aviation, motor carriers, railroads, and mass transit industries. This includes commercial drivers, airline crew, pipeline workers, train conductors, and more. Anyone performing duties that directly impact public safety must comply.
Pre-employment, random, and return-to-duty testing: DOT regulations require pre-employment, random, and return-to-duty tests after a violation, as well as testing for reasonable suspicion. These help monitor alcohol use throughout employment and ensure that those returning to duty after a violation are truly fit for service.
Alcohol concentration limit: DOT alcohol tests can detect alcohol levels above 0.02. A result between 0.02 and 0.039 will result in temporary removal from duty, while a result of 0.04 or higher is classified as a failed test and requires immediate action and referral to a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

Consequences of positive tests: A positive test result, or refusal to test, requires the individual to be removed from safety-sensitive duties and undergo a return-to-duty process with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). This process includes evaluation, possible treatment, a return-to-duty test with a result below 0.02, and unannounced follow-up testing for up to five years. Accredited Drug Testing supports employers and employees through this process with fast SAP referrals, compliance tracking, and certified follow-up testing services. Our nationwide network ensures that testing can be completed wherever your employees are located, keeping your program compliant and your workforce safe.