Drivers who fail drug tests

Posted on August 15, 2007
Filed Under ALCOHOL & DRUG

When you are drug testing your drivers, occasionally a driver will fail the test, also known as testing positive. While this may seem like common-sense to some, if a driver tests positive, you must remove him from duty. Immediately. No ifs, ands, or buts. That means getting on the two-way radio, cellphone, or whatever, and shutting him down right then and there. You will have to get another driver to go get his truck. Do not even let the positive driver ride in a commerical motor vehicle after testing positive.

After a driver fails a drug test, if you want to use that driver again, he must go through the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) process. This is a somewhat complex procedure where the driver must be evaluated by an addiction specialist, go through treatment, be evaluated again, and then come back to duty with a follow-up testing schedule. You must adhere to the SAP guidelines exactly, as DOT has little patience for motor carriers that allow a driver to fail a test on Monday, but is back on the road Tuesday after passing a test.

Furthermore, DOT has absolutely no patience for motor carriers who use drivers who have tested positive. The fines for using a positive driver, or not following the SAP procedures are generally several thousand dollars. If a driver tests positive, it is a big deal. Take it seriously, ask questions.

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