A DOT drug test is a federally mandated drug test required by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for employees who work in safety-sensitive jobs—meaning roles where being impaired could endanger lives (e.g., driving a truck, flying a plane, operating a train).

Who Is Required to Take DOT Drug Tests?

Anyone in a safety-sensitive position regulated by:

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – truck drivers
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – pilots, mechanics
• Federal Transit Administration (FTA) – transit operators
• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) – railroad employees
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) – pipeline workers
• U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) – maritime workers

What Substances Are Tested?

DOT tests are 5-panel urine drug tests that check for:

1. Marijuana (THC)
2. Cocaine
3. Amphetamines (including methamphetamine and MDMA)
4. Opioids (including heroin, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone)
5. Phencyclidine (PCP)

When Are DOT Drug Tests Required:

• Pre-employment (before starting a safety-sensitive job)
• Post-accident (following qualifying incidents)
• Random testing (selected by a computerized system)
• Reasonable suspicion (based on observable signs of drug use)
• Return-to-duty (after a violation)
• Follow-up (ongoing testing after returning to duty)

How Is Testing Conducted?

• Urine sample collected at a certified collection site
• Strict chain of custody followed
• Tests are sent to a SAMHSA-certified lab
• Reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO) for accuracy and validity