New Rule Issued for FMCSA’s Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The FMCSA’s CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is an online database containing information about CDL and CLP holders who have drug or alcohol violations. The information is available to employers, the FMCSA, state law enforcement, and State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs).
FMCSA-regulated employees, medical review officers, and substance abuse professionals are required to report to the Clearinghouse any information on drug and alcohol violations by current or prospective driver employees.
Effective November 18, 2024, the Clearinghouse will require SDLAs to check the Clearinghouse before issuing, renewing, upgrading, or transferring a CDL or CLP. The SDLAs must also remove the commercial driver’s license privileges of any drivers who are in “prohibited” status in the Clearinghouse. Their CDLs will be downgraded until the drivers complete a return-to-duty process.
While the Clearinghouse rules do not directly affect medical examiners, you may find it helpful to be aware of them. For more information, visit About the Clearinghouse on the FMCSA website.
