FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
The single federal database tracking all CDL drug and alcohol violations nationwide. A "Prohibited" status here means you cannot legally operate a CMV anywhere in the country.
Clearinghouse-II (November 2024) Changed Everything
NEW RULE: States now must query the Clearinghouse before issuing, renewing, upgrading, or transferring a CDL. More critically, states are now required to actively downgrade the license of any driver in "Prohibited" status.
You cannot hide violations by moving states. The Clearinghouse follows you everywhere.
What Is the Clearinghouse?
The FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a centralized federal database that tracks all CDL drug and alcohol violations nationwide. It was established to close a critical information loophole.
Before the Clearinghouse: Drivers could conceal positive drug tests or test refusals by simply changing employers or moving to a different state to obtain a new license. There was no national tracking system.
After the Clearinghouse: Every violation is recorded in a single source of truth. Employers must query the Clearinghouse before hiring any CDL driver. States must check it before issuing any CDL.
How Long Violations Stay
This is governed by 49 CFR § 382.719—and it's stricter than most drivers expect
The "Whichever Is Later" Rule
Violation records remain in the Clearinghouse for:
5 Years
From the date of the violation determination
OR
Until RTD Complete
Whichever is later
"Zombie Debt" Scenario
If a driver fails a drug test and leaves the industry for 10 years without completing the Return-to-Duty process, the violation remains visible and active. They cannot simply "wait out" the penalty. The violation is effectively permanent until the driver actively remediates it through the full RTD process.
What Gets Reported to the Clearinghouse
Positive Drug Test
Any positive result on a DOT-mandated drug test (pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, or follow-up).
Positive Alcohol Test (≥0.04%)
Confirmation test result of 0.04% BAC or higher during any DOT-mandated alcohol test.
Test Refusal
Refusing to submit to a required drug or alcohol test. Treated the same as a positive result.
Actual Knowledge Violation
When an employer has direct observation or credible evidence of drug or alcohol use (e.g., witnessed impairment).
Understanding Your Status
"Prohibited" Status
You have an unresolved violation and cannot perform any safety-sensitive function, including driving a CMV. This status remains until you complete the Return-to-Duty process. Employers can see this when they query your record.
"Not Prohibited" Status
You have no unresolved violations or have completed the RTD process. You are eligible to perform safety-sensitive functions. Note: Past violations may still show in your history even after clearance.
How to Check Your Status
You can check your own Clearinghouse record at any time
Create an Account
Register at the FMCSA Clearinghouse portal. You'll need your CDL information and to verify your identity through login.gov.
Request Your Record
Log in and request a copy of your driver record. Limited queries (status only) are free. Full queries showing violation details cost $1.25.
Review Your Information
Check for any violations, your current status, and ensure all information is accurate. If you find errors, you can initiate a dispute.
Disputing Errors
Drivers have limited avenues to dispute inaccurate information. A Medical Review Officer (MRO) can request removal of a violation if:
The positive result is overturned due to verification of a valid prescription
A medical condition (e.g., "shy bladder") is confirmed as the cause for failure to provide a sample
The violation was attributed to the wrong driver due to clerical error or identity theft
"Actual Knowledge" Disputes Are Difficult
Disputing violations where an employer reported observed impairment is notoriously difficult. These disputes go through the FMCSA's DataQs system and require substantial evidentiary proof to overturn an employer's sworn statement.
What Employers See
Limited Query (Free)
Shows only whether you have "Prohibited" or "Not Prohibited" status. Does not reveal specific violation details.
Used for: Pre-employment screening, annual queries
Full Query ($1.25)
Reveals all violation details, dates, and RTD status. Requires your electronic consent.
Used for: Hiring decisions when violation exists
Annual Query Requirement
Employers must query the Clearinghouse at least once per year for every CDL driver they employ. This means your status is checked annually even if you've been with the same company for years.
Related Guides
Sources & Official Resources
Information on this page is sourced from FMCSA Clearinghouse documentation.
- FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
- FMCSA State CDL Program Implementation (Clearinghouse-II)
- 49 CFR Part 382 - Controlled Substances and Alcohol Testing
Last updated: January 8, 2026
Found a Violation on Your Record?
A CDL DUI attorney can help you understand your options, navigate the dispute process if applicable, and guide you through Return-to-Duty if needed.
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