Drug testing can be an important health and safety measure in several industries. The types of drug tests administered can vary depending on the type of work performed in a given industry. For instance, a DOT drug test is a specific category of drug test for industries that are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

What is DOT Drug Testing?

The Department of Transportation is responsible for, among other things, overseeing public transit along highways, railways, and other major transit routes. This entails ensuring the safety of any passengers who use any public transportation infrastructure. 

One of the many ways the DOT does this is by ensuring that any employees who are responsible for operating heavy machinery are capable of performing their jobs safely. DOT drug testing is a specifically regimented type of drug test for DOT jobs.

What Jobs Require a DOT Drug Test?

Any driver who operates a fully-loaded vehicle, or who transports passengers as part of their job, must pass a DOT drug test. This includes railroad workers, such as train conductors, train operators, dispatchers, and utility workers. It also includes other heavy vehicle operators, like bus drivers, truck drivers, and airline pilots.

However, vehicle operators are not the only employees who may be subjected to DOT drug testing. Other positions like airline flight attendants, air traffic controllers, and Coast Guard members are required to pass this testing.

What Drugs Are On a DOT Drug Test?

So what is a DOT drug test, exactly? They are required to test for certain types of common classes of recreational drugs. The five drug classes most commonly tested for in DOT drug tests include: 

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Opioids
• Amphetamines
• PCP

It is important to note that even though marijuana has been legalized in many states, these tests still test for THC. Because it is a psychoactive drug, marijuana use can pose a safety risk for employees who work in public transportation.

When Are DOT Drug Tests Administered?

DOT drug tests can be administered in several different circumstances. Any employee whose job requires drug testing will need to pass a pre-employment DOT drug test. Pre-employment tests are administered as part of the employee onboarding period after a job has been offered. Failing the test typically results in the job offer being rescinded.

However, pre-employment testing is not the only time that employees may be required to take a DOT drug test. Many sensitive positions also require random drug testing for workers. For instance, air traffic controllers and commercial truck drivers have a relatively high rate of random drug testing.

Post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug testing may also be administered on a case-by-case basis. Most vehicle operators will be required to take a test following an on-the-job accident before they are allowed to return to work. A reasonable suspicion test can also be administered if an employee shows other signs of potential substance abuse.

What Happens After a Failed DOT Drug Test?

If a prospective employee fails a pre-employment DOT drug test, they will typically have their job offer revoked. If an employee fails a drug test, their job may be terminated. Alternatively, they may be put on leave from their job, and are then required to pass a return-to-work test before they can begin working again.

How to Handle DOT Drug Testing with Soteria.

Want to learn more about administering drug tests or handling substance abuse in the workplace? Follow our blog for more informative content, or consider ordering a test from Soteria for accurate and reliable tests, as well as other forms of drug screening.