FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A LIMITED QUERY?
A query is an electronic check of a driver's record in the Clearinghouse, as required of employers of CDL drivers per § 382.701. A limited query determines if an individual driver's Clearinghouse record has any information about resolved or unresolved drug and alcohol program violations. A violation is unresolved if the driver has not completed the Return-to-duty (RTD) process and Follow Up testing as determined by the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). To view full details of a driver's Clearinghouse record, you would need to conduct a full query.
WHEN WILL I NEED AN ANNUAL LIMITED QUERY?
An annual limited query will need to be performed on all actively employed CDL holders operating under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in order to see if there is a drug or alcohol violation on the driver's record. This query must be completed before January 6th, 2021.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO PROVIDE TO THE DRIVER?
Employers must provide and retain records of drivers' limited consent for 3 years. This does not have to be retained in the driver qualification file, but the employer must be able to provide evidence upon request.
INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICES
GET AHEAD OF THE CURVE
Due to the anticipated increase of driver queries expected to be performed as both drivers and employers return to work, begin the annual query process within the first half of this year.
SUBMIT A BULK QUERY
By providing Truescreen with multiple drivers at one time, you can perform your queries in bulk. This will grant more flexibility when managing your employee pool and driver records.
PURCHASE ADDITIONAL QUERIES
Many drivers can be on your roster at any given time. Solidify your preparation by ensuring you are equipped with enough queries to cover your active roster.
For additional guidance regarding the DOT Clearinghouse and Annual Queries, please contact your sales executive, account manager, or our customer service team.
Resources Center: FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
Posted: April 24, 2020