DOT- Urine and Alcohol Testing

As part of the U.S.Department of Transportation’s (DOT) commitment to safety for workers and the general public, drug testing is required for what the department considers “safety-sensitive” employees. These employees work as part of the teams that provide transportation services in the air, on the roads, across the rails, and in the water – both overland and underground.

The Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act, which was Congress passed in 1991 required DOT agencies to implement comprehensive drug and alcohol testing for employees who conduct safety-sensitive duties. To comply with the act, the DOT’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) established rules on how tests should be conducted as well as testing and reporting procedures.

Who is Subject to DOT Drug Tests?

According to the DOT employee handbook on Alcohol and Drug Testing procedures, the department’s goal is to “employ operators who are 100 percent drug- and alcohol-free.” However, operators aren’t the only DOT employees subject to drug testing requirements. Any position considered safety-sensitive falls under the testing requirements. The DOT looks at job duties, not just job titles, when determining whether a position qualifies as safety-sensitive.

Some safety-sensitive tasks include:

• Driving a truck
• Working on a pipeline
• Repairing an airplane
• Operating a ferry, bus, or train

In addition, employees like flight attendants and security guards are also subject to DOT drug testing. Any position that involves tasks that could impact the safety of transportation workers or passengers is included within the regulations.