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Frequently Asked Questions
FMCSA Clearinghouse

1. What is the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse?

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  • The FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is an online database that provides real-time information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders' drug and alcohol program violations. It aims to improve road safety by ensuring that drivers with a history of violations are identified and properly handled.

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2. Who is required to use the Clearinghouse?

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  • The Clearinghouse is mandatory for employers of CDL drivers, CDL drivers themselves, medical review officers (MROs), substance abuse professionals (SAPs), consortia/third-party administrators (C/TPAs), and state driver licensing agencies (SDLAs).

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3. What types of violations are reported to the Clearinghouse?

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    The Clearinghouse records violations of FMCSA’s drug and alcohol testing regulations, including:

  • Positive drug or alcohol test results

  • Refusals to test

  • Return-to-duty and follow-up testing results

  • Actual knowledge of drug or alcohol use

  • Other DOT drug and alcohol program violations.

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4. How do employers register for the Clearinghouse?

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  • Employers must create an account on the FMCSA Clearinghouse website. The registration process involves providing company details, creating a username and password, and verifying the account through email.

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5. What are the responsibilities of employers regarding the Clearinghouse?

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    Employers are responsible for:

  • Conducting pre-employment queries on prospective employees

  • Conducting annual queries on all current CDL drivers

  • Reporting drug and alcohol violations to the Clearinghouse

  • Ensuring that violations are resolved before allowing a driver to perform safety-sensitive functions.

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6. How do CDL drivers register for the Clearinghouse?

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  • CDL drivers must create an individual account on the FMCSA Clearinghouse website. Registration involves providing personal information, creating a username and password, and verifying the account through email.

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7. What information can CDL drivers access in the Clearinghouse?

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  • CDL drivers can view their own records, including any reported drug and alcohol violations, the status of return-to-duty processes, and query history showing which employers have accessed their information.

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8. What is a pre-employment query, and why is it important?

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  • A pre-employment query is a check performed by employers in the Clearinghouse to ensure that prospective CDL drivers have no unresolved drug and alcohol violations. It is important for maintaining safety and compliance.

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9. What is an annual query, and why is it necessary?

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  • An annual query is a mandatory yearly check that employers must perform on all CDL drivers they employ. It ensures ongoing compliance and identifies any recent violations that may affect a driver's ability to perform safety-sensitive functions.

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10. What are the consequences of failing to comply with Clearinghouse requirements?

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  • Non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, and potential out-of-service orders for carriers. It can also lead to drivers being prohibited from operating CMVs until compliance is achieved.

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11. How is data protected in the Clearinghouse?

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  • The Clearinghouse employs robust security measures to protect data, including encryption, secure access controls, and regular monitoring to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

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12. Where can I find more information or assistance?

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