If you employ DOT regulated drivers, is it important that you know what constitutes a DOT refusal if a driver does not go in for a drug screen or breath alcohol test when instructed to do so. For all testing events with the exception of pre-employment tests, if a driver refuses, does not immediately report to a collection facility or stops the collection once the process has started and leaves the collection facility, that is called a refusal to test and is treated the same as if the driver tested positive on the drug or breath alcohol test.
The only exception to this is if the driver arrives to the collection facility for a pre-employment test, but leaves before the collection process begins (ie the collector takes them in and provides them with the collection cup), it is not a refusal to test. A driver who has refused to take a DOT drug or breath alcohol test must go through the same process to become medically re-qualified to drive under DOT standards as if they tested positive on a drug or breath alcohol test. For more information on reinstating a driver following a positive drug screen/refusal go back to our website under the FFW Members Section, “What you need to know about Dealing with a DOT Positive”. You can also find a listing of DOT qualified SAPs in the FFW Members section under “Drug Testing.” For more information feel free to contact our office.
