FRA Drug and Alcohol Testing Services

NMS Screening & Compliance provides structured, FRA-compliant drug and alcohol testing support designed to help railroad employers meet regulatory requirements, reduce compliance risk, and maintain safe and reliable operations.

FRA Drug & Alcohol Testing Compliance Requirements

FRA regulations require drug and alcohol testing for employees who perform covered service, including individuals whose duties directly affect railroad safety. These requirements apply to railroads and to contractors who perform regulated service on a railroad's behalf.

Covered service includes, but is not limited to:

• Train and engine service employees (engineers, conductors, brakemen, switchmen, locomotive hostlers/helpers).
• Dispatching service employees (train dispatchers, control operators).
• Signal employees who install, repair, or maintain signal systems.
• Maintenance-of-Way (MOW) employees, including contractors performing:
  • Track, bridge, and roadway inspection, construction, maintenance, or repair.
  • Signal and communications system work.
  • Flagging, watchman duties, and roadway worker protection.
  • Operation or maintenance of roadway maintenance machinery.

FRA Random Testing Rates

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

• 25% for controlled substances.
• 10% for alcohol.

These rates apply uniformly to all employees performing covered service, including maintenance-of-way and contractor personnel.

FRA Drug & Alcohol Testing Program Elements

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

• Pre-Employment Testing: Drug testing conducted before an employee first performs covered service.
• Random Testing: Scientifically valid, unannounced random testing conducted throughout the year.
• Post-Accident Testing: Testing conducted following qualifying railroad accidents or incidents, as defined by FRA regulations.
• Reasonable Cause / Reasonable Suspicion Testing: Testing based on specific, contemporaneous observations of behavior, appearance, speech, or body odors.
• Return-to-Duty and Follow-Up Testing: Required testing for employees returning to covered service following a violation, as directed by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

FRA Compliance Plan (49 CFR Part 219)

Railroads and certain contractors performing covered services are required to maintain a Part 219 Compliance Plan that outlines how drug and alcohol testing requirements are met, including the administration of the random testing program.

NMS Screening & Compliance assists employers by supporting the development, implementation, and administration of compliant testing programs consistent with Part 219 requirements.

Consequences of Noncompliance with FRA Drug Testing Regulations

Employers subject to FRA drug and alcohol testing requirements must establish and maintain compliant programs in accordance with 49 CFR Parts 219 and 40. Failure to implement or properly administer a compliant program may result in FRA enforcement actions, including notices of violation and civil penalties assessed on a per-violation basis. In addition, employees who violate FRA drug and alcohol testing requirements may be removed from covered service until all return-to-duty and follow-up requirements are satisfied.

NMS OnBoard™: Centralized FRA Drug & Alcohol Testing Oversight

NMS Screening & Compliance supports FRA-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 visibility into FRA testing activity across covered service employees, maintenance-of-way personnel, and mechanical employees, supporting consistent workflows and secure record retention. The platform integrates with Medical Review Officer (MRO) services and laboratory reporting, helping rail employers maintain clear oversight and audit readiness across complex, multi-category FRA testing programs.

Why Choose NMS Screening & Compliance?

• Regulatory Expertise: Deep experience supporting FRA-regulated railroads and contractors.
• Custom Solutions: Testing programs tailored to railroad operations, contractor relationships, and workforce structure.
• Nationwide Coverage: Reliable, compliant testing services across multiple states and rail networks.
• Comprehensive Services: End-to-end drug and alcohol testing, compliance planning, and program administration.
• Expert Guidance: Practical support for policy development, compliance plans, and audit readiness.
• Flexible Options: Program structures designed to support railroads, contractors, and multi-employer environments.