What Is the DOT Clearinghouse?
The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a federal database that tracks certain DOT drug and alcohol violations for CDL drivers. If you have a Clearinghouse violation, it can affect your ability to return to safety-sensitive work until you complete the required return-to-duty steps.
What the Clearinghouse Does
The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is designed to help employers, owner-operators, and regulators track violations of the DOT drug and alcohol testing program for CDL drivers. It helps prevent drivers from moving from one employer to another without addressing a reported violation.
If a driver has a record in the Clearinghouse, that record can affect whether they are eligible to perform safety-sensitive duties. In many cases, the next step is to begin a DOT SAP evaluation and move through the official return-to-duty process.
What Can Be Reported to the Clearinghouse?
Positive Drug Test
A verified positive DOT drug test can be entered into the Clearinghouse and may place a driver in prohibited status.
Alcohol Violation
Certain alcohol-related DOT testing violations can also be reported and affect return-to-duty eligibility.
Refusal to Test
Refusing a required DOT drug or alcohol test may be treated as a violation and reported to the Clearinghouse.
How the Clearinghouse Affects CDL Drivers
If you are listed in the Clearinghouse with a violation, you generally cannot return to safety-sensitive work until the return-to-duty process is completed. That often means you will need to work with a qualified Substance Abuse Professional and complete the required steps in the right order.
Many drivers first discover the importance of the Clearinghouse after a failed DOT drug test or after being told by an employer that they are prohibited from driving.
The process can feel confusing at first, but it becomes much easier once you understand the return-to-duty process and what the SAP requires.
How to Get Back to Work After a Clearinghouse Violation
- Schedule a DOT SAP evaluation.
- Complete any education or treatment recommended by the SAP.
- Return for the follow-up SAP evaluation.
- Become eligible for the return-to-duty test through an employer.
- Complete the required return-to-duty and follow-up testing steps.
If you are specifically dealing with a Clearinghouse problem right now, visit our Clearinghouse violation help page for more direct guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the DOT Clearinghouse.
What is the DOT Clearinghouse?
It is the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a federal database that tracks certain DOT drug and alcohol violations for CDL drivers.
Does a failed DOT drug test go into the Clearinghouse?
Yes. Certain violations, including verified positive DOT drug tests, can be reported and may affect a driver’s ability to return to safety-sensitive work.
How do I get out of prohibited status?
Most drivers must complete the SAP return-to-duty process before becoming eligible to return to work.
Can employers see Clearinghouse violations?
Yes. Employers and prospective employers can access Clearinghouse information as allowed by FMCSA rules.
Need Help With a Clearinghouse Violation?
Start with the right next step so you can move toward return-to-duty eligibility.