02/17/2021 09:56
Drug testing for employees is a requirement that spans
industries. The truck transportation industry is no exception to this
requirement, as the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that truck
drivers undergo regular drug testing. This requirement certainly applies to
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, but do non-CDL drivers need drug
testing? Read on to find out.
Not all drivers need a CDL to drive a truck. There are a few
key differences between CDL and non-CDL drivers. A driver who will be operating
a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of over 26,000 lbs. must
have a CDL. Drivers who will be operating vehicles that carry 16 or more people
(including the driver) must also have a CDL, as must drivers who are operating
a vehicle that requires a hazardous placard. If a driver is operating a vehicle
that is under 26,000 lbs. and is carrying under 16 passengers, the driver is
considered non-CDL.
The short answer to this question is no. While all CDL
drivers are required by the DOT to undergo random drug and alcohol testing, the
DOT does not require non-CDL drivers to be tested. However, employers are
permitted to conduct drug and alcohol testing on their non-CDL drivers
separately from the DOT, as long as it is stipulated in the company drug
testing policy and the drivers have been properly informed per state and local
laws. Non-CDL drivers’ tests must be placed in a pool separate from the pool
for DOT-required CDL drivers’ tests. Also, depending on the state, there could
be a discount on the company’s worker’s compensation insurance. Contact
Labworks USA to see if your state offers these discounts.
Even though drug and alcohol tests are not required for
non-CDL drivers by the DOT’s standards, it is still a good idea to test all
employees, including non-CDL drivers. Most professions, including those in the
trucking industry, require employees to pass a drug test as a condition for
employment. Enforcing drug tests ensures the workplace remains a safe space and
discourages employees from misusing drugs and alcohol. In industries like
trucking and transportation that involve a lot of time on the road, substance abuse
can be dangerous or even fatal to drivers, passengers, and other individuals on
the road.
Whether you are a CDL driver or a non-CDL driver who is thinking about getting their CDL, it’s important to be aware of the DOT’s drug testing requirements. A DOT drug testing consortium like Labworks USA exists to make the drug and alcohol testing process easier for drivers and transportation companies, so consider joining today. We’ll work to keep drivers safe and ensure your drug and alcohol tests adhere to DOT legal requirements.
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