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What is DOT Drug Testing? and What happens if Failed?

 

DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing

There are many reasons why you may need a DOT Drug Test for a job. What if you fail the DOT drug test? What happens to your record when you fail the DOT drug test? Does it stay on your record forever or not? If so, how long does it stay on your record? Here is everything we know.

What is DOT Drug Testing?

DOT stands for The Department Of Transportation. The DOT drug test is a standard panel of drug tests given to commercial drivers and other transportation workers mandatory in the safety sensitive industries. 

The Department of Transportation (DOT) conducts mandatory tests for drugs and alcohol when hiring truck drivers, railroad operators (engineers), tanker drivers, or school bus operators (drivers).

The primary purpose of the DOT drug test is to ensure a safe work environment in areas of transportation. Many jobs are safety-sensitive and require that the employees maintain a certain level of alertness to ensure that they can perform their duties safely.

Consequences of Failing DOT Drug Test

There are consequences for every action. And when it comes to drugs, even a typical day-to-day habit can have serious repercussions. Drug tests are just one of the many reasons why you must avoid any substance abuse.

Mentioned below are some consequences of failing a DOT drug test:

1. Loss of Job

Drug tests are carried out regularly in many workplaces to ensure that the employees are fit for their jobs. Your employer may be aware of your habits, and they may approach you about it. If you fail to respond and you continue to behave irresponsibly, you may lose your job.

This means that not only will you lose your current job, but if a future employer finds out about your habit, your qualifications or lack thereof will not be taken into account, and you may not be offered any work at all.

2. Loss of Housing

Because drug tests are conducted for several reasons, it is understandable that your housing will be tested at some point. While you might not lose your home, you may not be allowed to stay there if these tests reveal that you have used drugs in the past.

3. Termination from the Job

Now that drug tests have become so common in the United States, employers can quickly terminate their employees because of a failed drug test. This is not uncommon for them, and they will do it without much thought.

If there is any doubt regarding the information provided by a potential employee, they will be tested for allergies and drugs.

4. Suspension of License

If you are a driver working in the public transportation industry, chances are you will be suspended from your work for 30 days, beginning the day after you have failed your drug test.

And even if you aren’t a truck driver, failing that drug test could lead to disqualification from any employment in the trucking industry altogether.

5. Fines and Fees

There are heavy penalties if you happen to commit a drug-related offense. For starters, your employer will probably have to pay a hefty fine for failing you, in case they are confident that as a driver you are prone to substance abuse, and then they may even have to pay for your defense attorney’s services.

6. Mandatory Treatment

Also, after failing your DOT drug test, you may be forced to undergo treatment for your substance abuse problem in an approved facility before obtaining employment again in the public transportation industry.

7. Permanent Disqualification

If you have failed your DOT drug test more than once, your employer will most likely terminate your services, and you may face a permanent disqualification as well.

There is a zero-tolerance policy in the public transportation industry regarding drug use. Employers must fire drivers who test positive for drugs regardless of whether they are prescription or recreational substances.

8. Criminal Prosecution

If you happen to be convicted of drug-related offenses, you will be violating federal law and charged with a federal crime. These kinds of crimes have serious consequences that can include jail time.

It is in your best interest to avoid drug use at all costs because being caught with drugs by the local police or DOT officials can cause you to lose your livelihood and possibly even ruin your life.

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