Testing for drug and alcohol use

Because driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to accidents, farmers should take measures to ensure their drivers are not under the influence. It’s important that farmers adopt a comprehensive drug and alcohol testing program similar to FMCSA regulations.

Some CDL drivers are exempt from mandatory testing and some must comply. This is based on a 150-mile interstate limit.

Exempt:

If a CDL equipment driver stays within a 150-mile interstate limit, farmers will be exempt from the testing requirement.

Must comply:

If a CDL equipment driver exceeds the 150-mile limit, they’re considered commercial drivers and must comply with full FMCSA regulations, including drug and alcohol testing.

Create a drug and alcohol testing program

Farmers should specify the types of incidents that would require testing, such as workplace injuries and operation of agricultural equipment. Remember that the possibility of testing may deter current and prospective employees from using substances.

Minimum requirements

  • Pre-employment drug test
  • Background checks for past drug or alcohol offenses

Better practices

  • Pre-employment drug test
  • Background checks for past drug or alcohol offenses
  • Post-incident testing, including injury-related incidences or vehicle collisions
  • Training for supervisors in recognizing intoxication

Most-recommended

  • Pre-employment drug test
  • Background checks for past drug or alcohol offenses
  • Post-incident testing, including injury-related incidences or vehicle collisions
  • Training for supervisors in recognizing intoxication
  • Reasonable suspicion testing

Ideally, drug and alcohol testing should be based on the FMCSA requirements, even if the drivers are listed as non-DOT.

Essential guide to rules and regulations for commercial and farm vehicles

Each section outlines the steps you need to take in order to be compliant with regulations in a topic area, and includes downloadable tools and resources to facilitate the process.

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