Clearinghouse
The DOT Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is a secure online database that will give safety-sensitive employers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs), and State law enforcement personnel real-time information about drug and alcohol violations for CDL/CLP drivers.
The Clearinghouse provides FMCSA and employers the necessary tools to identify drivers who are prohibited from operating a CMV based on DOT drug and alcohol program violations and ensure that such drivers receive the required evaluation and treatment before operating a CMV on public roads.
The information provided by this database is helpful not only for employers but state law enforcement personnel and state driver licensing agencies as well. It holds necessary data about commercial driver’s licenses and commercial learner’s permit holder’s drug and alcohol program violations.
A driver must also be registered to electronically view the information in his or her own Clearinghouse record. See 49 CFR 382.709.
Registered drivers will have their Clearinghouse accounts and contact preferences set up, allowing them to quickly respond to query requests from employers.
The Clearinghouse returns the results via reports sent to your FTP mailbox as early as 15 minutes up to five business days. The timeframe is determined by the time of year and number of incoming inquiries to the Clearinghouse.
How are drivers’ rights protected?
Even as your company or safety department is learning how to use the clearinghouse, it’s smart to make sure your drivers know their responsibilities and rights, as well. If drivers change companies, they will have to register in order to give permission for the motor carrier to make queries of their information.
