Starting November 18, 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will implement the Clearinghouse II rule, mandating State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) to downgrade the Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) or Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs) of drivers listed as “Prohibited” in the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. This action will prevent affected drivers from operating commercial motor vehicles until they complete the Return-to-Duty (RTD) process.
As of October 1, 2024, 178,839 CDL/CLP holders were in “Prohibited” status, with 136,224 yet to begin the RTD process. To check your status, register or log in to the Clearinghouse via Login.gov. If you don’t have a Login.gov account, the FMCSA provides a guide to create one.
The RTD process involves:
- Selecting a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP): Your employer must provide a list of DOT-qualified SAPs. After evaluation, the SAP recommends education or treatment and determines when you’ve successfully completed it.
- Taking the Return-to-Duty Test: Your employer arranges this test. Owner-operators should coordinate with their consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA). A negative result updates your status to “Not Prohibited,” allowing you to resume safety-sensitive duties.
- Completing Follow-Up Testing: Your employer must implement the SAP’s follow-up testing plan, including at least six unannounced tests in the first 12 months. For owner-operators, the C/TPA oversees this plan.
Information about your violation remains in the Clearinghouse for five years from the violation date or until you complete the follow-up testing plan, whichever is later.
It’s crucial to address any “Prohibited” status promptly to avoid license downgrades and ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations.