02/18/2021 07:47
In the transportation industry, regulating drug use is
particularly important. The Department of Transportation (DOT) prohibits the
use of certain drugs and requires periodic drug and alcohol testing for all
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) drivers. This system of regulating the use of
drugs and testing for drugs keeps truck drivers and others on the road safe.
Since the use of certain drugs—even some that are legal—can disqualify an
individual from being a CDL driver, it’s important to understand which
substances are prohibited. Below, you’ll find a list of prohibited drugs for
CDL drivers and some basic information about DOT drug testing for drivers.
A CDL driver must undergo an initial physical, including a
drug test, before employment as well as occasional drug testing during the
course of their career. The following drugs are considered disqualifying and
are prohibited by the DOT:
In recent years, many states have legalized marijuana for
medicinal or recreational use, but the DOT still considers it a disqualifying
drug. This is because the effects of marijuana can create an unsafe environment
on the road. Marijuana affects most parts of the brain and hinders many mental
functions. Side effects of marijuana use include:
A driver needs to be alert, controlled and prepared to make
split-second decisions while driving. Many of the functions that marijuana
impairs seriously affect a driver’s ability to perform their job safely and
responsibly.
Like many drugs, cocaine is addictive and has many negative
side effects. The DOT also prohibits the use of cocaine. Cocaine use has the
following effects:
Amphetamine is a central nervous stimulant that causes
elevated levels of focus and confidence and that can cause euphoria.
Amphetamines are often used in prescription medications that treat conditions
such as ADHD and narcolepsy. Common brand-name amphetamines include Adderall,
Dexedrine, and Vyvanse. However, amphetamines are often abused when used
recreationally. Increased focus or confidence might not seem like a bad thing
while you’re driving, but amphetamines can have other dangerous side effects,
including:
In addition to these effects, amphetamines are addictive,
making them even more dangerous. The illegal use of amphetamines is
particularly tempting for truck drivers, as the increased focus and alertness
the drugs cause make it easier for drivers to complete shipments more quickly.
However, the detrimental effects these drugs can have on drivers far outweigh the
positives.
Opioids are types of drugs that affect the opioid receptors
in your cells. They are used to relieve pain, are present in many types of pain
medication, and are highly addictive. Side effects of opioids include:
Drowsiness and confusion are two side effects that will
seriously affect a driver’s ability to do their job, and they can lead to accidents
on the road. For this reason, the DOT does not allow CDL drivers to use opioid
medications, even those that are legal or prescribed.
Phencyclidine, also known as PCP or angel dust, is an
illegal drug that has mind-altering qualities and that the DOT therefore
prohibits. The use of phencyclidine can lead to the following side effects:
Phencyclidine is also an addictive drug, so when an
individual starts using it, stopping is very difficult. A driver put into any
of the above states by phencyclidine will quickly become a danger to themselves
and others on the road.
The DOT requires that all drivers of commercial vehicles
undergo a medical examination prior to employment as well as drug tests
throughout their careers. At the pre-employment medical examination, a drug test
will be administered to the driver, testing for any trace of the five
prohibited types of drugs in the driver’s system. Drivers must disclose any
medications they’re taking, prescribed or otherwise. If you’ll be taking a drug
test during the pre-employment process, be sure to reference the above list
of prohibited drugs for CDL drivers to ensure you’re not taking any drugs
that fall into these categories. In certain situations, a medical professional
may clear a driver to drive despite being prescribed a prohibited medication.
The medical examiner will take this into account and determine the driver’s
fitness to drive accordingly. In addition, CDL drivers must comply with DOT
random drug testing requirements, and they may also need to be tested after
they’re involved in accidents.
If a drug test comes back positive, the driver who was
tested has the option of requesting a retest within 72 hours of receiving the
test results. The same sample will then be retested to confirm the results, and
if they still come back positive, disciplinary action will be taken. If a
driver fails a drug test, it results in their immediate suspension. A Substance
Abuse Professional (SAP) will then evaluate the driver and prescribe a
treatment plan for the driver to complete. Once the driver has completed those
requirements, they must pass a return-to-duty drug test, after which point they
will be eligible to work once more. However, having a failed drug test on
record can be detrimental to a driver’s career.
If you’re concerned about the technicalities of DOT drug
testing, consortium third-party administrators such as Labworks USA can help you manage the
required DOT drug and alcohol testing. Always remember to be responsible for
your drug usage and to avoid any DOT prohibited drugs, especially when you’re on
duty.