DOT Guidance Update COVID-19

The Department of Transportation has provided an update regarding drug & alcohol testing during the COVID-19 health emergency.  DOT is committed to maintaining public safety while providing maximum flexibility to allow transportation industries to conduct their operations safely and efficiently during this period of national emergency.

Pre-Employment Testing

If an employee has not tested for their pre-employment testing, the employer may not permit the employee to perform any DOT safety-sensitive functions. New Era Drug Testing will be able to assist in finding the nearest collection site that is available for testing.

Random Testing

If you are unable to conduct DOT drug or alcohol training or testing due to COVID-19- related supply shortages, facility closures, State or locally imposed quarantine requirements, or other impediments, you are to continue to comply with existing applicable DOT Agency requirements to document why a test was not completed. If training or testing can be conducted later (e.g., supervisor reasonable suspicion training at the next available opportunity, random testing later in the selection period, follow-up testing later in the month), you are to do so in accordance with applicable modal regulations. Links to the modal regulations and their respective web pages can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/agencies.

2nd quarters random selections will be generated April 1st, however, if you are in any of the States that are highly impacted by the COVID-19 virus with strict quarantine requirements, you will be given until end of 3rd quarter to complete the collection.

If you are unable to conduct DOT Drug or Alcohol testing due to COVID-19- facility closures, State or locally imposed quarantine requirements, or other impediments, you are to continue to comply with existing applicable DOT Agency requirements to document why a test was not completed.

Visit Department of Transportation Site to read more on DOT Guidance on Compliance with Drug & Alcohol Testing Regulations during the COVID-19 outbreak.

New Era Drug Testing will continue to monitor and adapt our recommendations and communications as circumstances evolve. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this unprecedented time in our history, and for continuing to choose New Era Drug Testing.

We value your business and will continue to work to maintain the highest standards of quality and service for your drug testing needs.

Photo by Kevin Bidwell