The FMCSA Clearinghouse was launched on January 6, 2020, with the goal of creating an online database of drug and alcohol testing violations and return-to-duty information for CDL drivers that could be stored and searched. The goal of the Clearinghouse was to help create safer roadways for everyone by keeping all of this information in one searchable database, which would allow employers to quickly check this information for their fleet of drivers.

FMCSA Clearinghouse Update

The Clearinghouse has served as a repository for drug and alcohol program violations which have occurred since January 6, 2020. Beginning January 6, 2023, a pre-employment query of the Clearinghouse will satisfy the requirement to investigate a prospective driver’s previous drug and alcohol program violations, as set forth in 49 CFR 391.23(e)(4) and 382.413(b).

Employers of CDL drivers are required to conduct a background check before hiring a driver. These reports must include a check to determine if the applicant has violated drug and alcohol regulations from the Department of Transportation (DOT). Prior to the Clearinghouse’s database, employers (or their representative) had to contact past employers individually to obtain this information.

This information is now held in the Clearinghouse for any DOT regulated employer. One note – if the driver worked for a non-DOT regulated company, that information won’t be held at the Clearinghouse. Those employers will still need to be contacted outside of the Clearinghouse for their drug and alcohol records.

Hire Image can assist your company in obtaining these records – both from the Clearinghouse and directly from past employers. Contact us for more information.