FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing Services

NMS Screening & Compliance provides structured, FMCSA-compliant drug and alcohol testing support designed to help motor carriers, owner-operators, and transportation employers meet regulatory requirements, reduce compliance risk, and maintain a safe driving environment.

FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Testing Compliance Requirements

FMCSA regulations require drug and alcohol testing for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who perform safety-sensitive functions, including drivers who operate vehicles requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in interstate commerce.

Testing requirements apply to:

• Motor carriers of all sizes.
• Owner-operators.
• Private and for-hire fleets.
• Intrastate and interstate operations, where applicable.

FMCSA Random Testing Rates

FMCSA-regulated employers must conduct random testing throughout the calendar year at the following minimum annual rates, unless formally adjusted by the FMCSA:

• 50% for controlled substances (DOT 5-panel urine drug test).
• 10% for alcohol (breath alcohol testing).

FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Testing Program Elements

NMS Screening & Compliance supports FMCSA-compliant testing programs that include the following required test types:

• Pre-Employment Testing: Drug testing conducted before a driver performs safety-sensitive functions.
• Random Testing: Scientifically valid, unannounced random testing conducted throughout the year.
• Post-Accident Testing: Testing conducted following qualifying accidents as defined by FMCSA regulations.
• Reasonable Suspicion Testing: Testing based on specific, contemporaneous observations concerning a driver’s appearance, behavior, speech, or body odors.
• Return-to-Duty and Follow-Up Testing: Required testing for drivers returning to safety-sensitive duties after a violation, as directed by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

FMCSA Compliance Support Services

NMS Screening & Compliance provides compliance-focused support designed to help transportation employers remain audit-ready, including:

• FMCSA-compliant random testing pool administration.
• Consortium enrollment and management for owner-operators and small fleets.
• Testing coordination and documentation support.
• Assistance with written drug and alcohol policy development.
• Coordination with Medical Review Officers (MROs) and Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs).
• Support during FMCSA audits and compliance reviews.

Relationship to FMCSA Safety Programs

FMCSA administers its broader safety oversight through the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program, which uses the Safety Measurement System (SMS) to identify carriers for intervention based on inspection, crash, and violation data.

Drug and alcohol testing compliance directly supports the Controlled Substances/Alcohol BASIC, one of the FMCSA’s Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs). Maintaining a compliant testing program helps reduce regulatory risk and supports overall fleet safety performance.

Consequences of Noncompliance with FMCSA Drug Testing Regulations

Employers regulated by the FMCSA are required to implement and maintain compliant drug and alcohol testing programs in accordance with 49 CFR Part 382 and 49 CFR Part 40. Failure to establish, maintain, or properly administer a compliant program may result in FMCSA enforcement actions, including notices of violation and civil penalties assessed on a per-violation basis. In addition, drivers who violate FMCSA drug and alcohol testing requirements may be removed from safety-sensitive duties and prohibited from operating commercial motor vehicles until all return-to-duty and follow-up requirements are satisfied.

NMS OnBoard™: Centralized FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Testing Management

NMS Screening & Compliance supports FMCSA-regulated drug and alcohol testing programs through NMS OnBoard™, a secure, cloud-based, mobile-enabled platform that centralizes testing coordination, status tracking, and documentation management. NMS OnBoard™ provides employers with real-time visibility into FMCSA testing activity, including pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and return-to-duty testing. The platform supports consistent workflows, secure record retention, and integration with Medical Review Officer (MRO) services, laboratory reporting, and FMCSA Clearinghouse processes, helping motor carriers maintain clear oversight and audit readiness across safety-sensitive operations.

Why Choose NMS Screening & Compliance?

• Regulatory Expertise: Deep experience supporting FMCSA-regulated employers and staying current with federal and state requirements.
• Custom Solutions: Drug and alcohol testing programs tailored to your fleet size, operational structure, and risk exposure.
• Nationwide Coverage: Reliable, compliant testing services across multiple states for local, regional, and national carriers.
• Comprehensive Services: End-to-end drug and alcohol testing, consortium management, and compliance support.
• Expert Guidance: Practical support for policy development, program implementation, and audit readiness.
• Flexible Options: Program structures designed to meet the needs of owner-operators, small fleets, and large carriers.