12 Things You Need to Know About the FMCSA Clearinghouse

FMCSA Clearinghouse

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is a critical tool for the commercial transportation industry. It helps improve safety by tracking drug and alcohol violations for drivers with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner’s permits (CLPs). 

The Clearinghouse makes drug and alcohol violation data visible across employers. This helps ensure only qualified, compliant drivers are on the road and supports safer hiring decisions. 

1. The Clearinghouse is a secure online database 

It stores real-time information about drug and alcohol program violations involving CDL and CLP holders. Employers, FMCSA, state licensing agencies, and state law enforcement can access it. 

2. It contains key violation records 

The Clearinghouse shows positive drug or alcohol test results, refusals to test, and related return-to-duty (RTD) information such as successful completion of follow-up testing once a driver completes the RTD process. 

3. It launched January 6, 2020 

That’s when FMCSA began requiring regulated employers and service agents to report violations and conduct queries. 

4. Who must register 

Drivers with a CDL or CLP must register to view their own records. Employers, medical review officers (MROs), substance abuse professionals (SAPs), and third-party administrators must also register if they report or query data. 

5. Employers must query before hiring 

Before allowing a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle, employers must run a full Clearinghouse query to check for unresolved violations. They must also conduct limited queries at least once every 12 months for current employees. 

6. Violations stay until RTD is complete 

Violation records and related information stay in the Clearinghouse for five years from the date of the violation OR until RTD is completed, whichever is later. 

7. Only DOT violations are reported 

The Clearinghouse only accepts violations from official Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing. Private employer tests that are not part of the mandated program cannot be reported. 

8. Violations before 2020 are excluded 

If a violation occurred before the Clearinghouse went active, it is not included unless it was already in progress and unresolved as of January 6, 2020. 

9. Employer reporting deadlines matter 

Employers must report a violation no later than three business days after they learn of it. Reporting later won’t undo it, but FMCSA will capture the actual reporting date. 

10. Driver consent is needed for full queries 

A limited query returns whether any records exist. A full query that shows details requires the driver’s electronic consent. 

11. Driver records are private 

Only authorized users may access detailed violation data. Drivers can see only their own information. 

12. SLDAs now use the Clearinghouse too 

Under updated rules, state driver licensing agencies (SLDAs) must check the Clearinghouse before issuing, renewing, or transferring a CDL or CLP and must downgrade a driver’s privileges if they are in “prohibited” status. 

Have questions about the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
For more information on how we can help, please contact Sales@DriverCheck.ca.

Related Services:

DOT Clearinghouse

Related Links:

FMCSA Clearinghouse

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