What qualifies as a DOT violation?

A DOT violation occurs when safety-sensitive employees or employers fail to comply with federal transportation regulations, including drug and alcohol testing policies, hours-of-service rules, vehicle maintenance requirements, and driver documentation standards.

What is the most common DOT drug and alcohol violation?

The most common DOT violation is a positive drug test or alcohol test above permissible limits. Other high-frequency violations include refusal to test, missing scheduled tests, or tampering with a specimen.

Does refusing a DOT drug test count as a violation?

Yes. A refusal to test is treated as a positive result and leads to immediate removal from safety-sensitive duties, plus mandatory Return-to-Duty steps.

Are employers responsible for violations if they fail to follow DOT testing rules?

Yes. Employers can face violations for failing to enroll drivers in a consortium, missing post-accident tests, not reporting results to the Clearinghouse, or allowing a driver to operate before completing Return-to-Duty requirements.

Do minor paperwork mistakes count as DOT violations?

Yes. Missing documentation, incomplete driver qualification files, inaccurate logs, and incomplete testing records can all result in DOT violations during audits.

What happens when a driver commits a drug or alcohol violation?

The driver is immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties, reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse, and must complete the Return-to-Duty process through a SAP before resuming work.

Can a DOT violation affect a driver's career?

Yes. Violations remain in the FMCSA Clearinghouse for at least five years and may limit job opportunities until all required Return-to-Duty and follow-up testing is completed.

What are employer consequences for DOT violations?

Employers may face fines, increased oversight, out-of-service orders, and potential legal liability if unqualified or impaired drivers are permitted to operate.

How can companies prevent DOT violations?

Companies can prevent violations by ensuring all drivers are in a compliant consortium, maintaining driver qualification files, staying updated on regulations, performing vehicle maintenance, and following all drug and alcohol testing requirements.

Do DOT violations go away automatically?

No. Violations remain in the Clearinghouse for five years or until all Return-to-Duty and follow-up testing steps are completed. Employer violations remain until resolved during a compliance review.

DOT Violations Explained: The Most Common FMCSA Compliance Issues Drivers Must Avoid

If you are a truck driver or a carrier, you need to be aware of the DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations and violations. The DOT is the federal agency that oversees the safety and compliance of commercial vehicles and drivers. The DOT has many rules and standards that apply to different aspects of trucking, such as hours of service, licensing, drug and alcohol testing, vehicle inspection, maintenance, and hazardous materials. Failing to follow these rules can result in DOT violations, which can have serious consequences for your business and reputation.

MOST COMMON DOT VIOLATIONS

DOT violations can result in serious consequences, including fines, loss of driving privileges, and even criminal charges in some cases. Below are some of the most common and important DOT violations that cannot be ignored in the first place.
Before listing the violations, it is important to understand that DOT violations affect drivers, vehicles, records, and safety-sensitive employees, and are monitored by the FMCSA.

HOURS OF SERVICE (HOS) VIOLATIONS

CDL drivers are required to follow strict HOS regulations to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue.

Common HOS Violations Include:

Driving beyond the maximum number of hours allowed
Failing to take required breaks or rest periods
Falsifying logbooks or electronic logging devices
Not maintaining proper ELD records

Why it matters: HOS violations are one of the most frequently cited violations in DOT inspections and can directly impact CSA scores and FMCSA safety ratings.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE VIOLATIONS

DOT-compliant CDL drivers are required to undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate on the road.

Common Maintenance Violations Include:

Failure to perform required inspections
Failure to repair defects identified during inspections
Operating vehicles with unsafe or defective equipment
Failure to maintain accurate maintenance records

Why it matters: Poor vehicle maintenance can lead to roadside inspection failures, out-of-service orders, and heavy fines.

DRIVER QUALIFICATION VIOLATIONS

Truck drivers must meet certain qualifications and undergo specific training before operating a commercial vehicle.

Common Qualification Violations Include:

Operating a vehicle without a valid commercial driver's license (CDL)
Driving with a suspended or revoked license
Failing to meet other driver qualification requirements
Missing required medical certificates or DQ file documents

Why it matters: Incomplete driver qualification files can cause carriers to fail FMCSA audits and increase liability.

EQUIPMENT VIOLATIONS

FMCSA-regulated vehicles must be equipped with certain safety features, including proper lighting, reflectors, brakes, tires, and emergency equipment.

Common Equipment Violations Include:

Operating a vehicle with non-functioning or defective equipment
Failing to properly secure cargo
Missing emergency triangles or safety equipment
Broken or missing lights, reflectors, or mirrors

Why it matters: Equipment violations affect vehicle safety scores and are a common cause of out-of-service orders during inspections.

Essential steps to prevent DOT Violations

DOT DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING VIOLATIONS

Safety-sensitive employees, including CDL holders, pilots, and railroad employees, truck drivers are required to undergo DOT drug and alcohol testing.

Common Drug & Alcohol Violations Include:

Failing a drug or alcohol test
Refusing to take a test
Violating any provision of DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations
Not being enrolled in a DOT Consortium (C/TPA)
Missing random drug testing requirements
Ignoring return-to-duty procedures

Why it matters: Drug testing ensures employees are not under the influence while performing duties and protects the public and carriers from accidents and liabilities.

How to Prepare for FMCSA Safety Audit?

DOT VIOLATIONS CONSEQUENCES

DOT violations can have serious consequences, ranging from fines and penalties to suspension of driving privileges and even criminal charges. By:

Maintaining proper vehicle maintenance
Adhering to Hours of Service regulations
Completing driver qualification files
Avoiding drug and alcohol violations

Companies can contribute to a safer and more secure transportation system while staying fully DOT and FMCSA compliant.

Stay Compliant with goMDnow Services

Are you an employer of commercial motor vehicle drivers looking for a reliable and convenient solution for DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing?

Look no further than goMDnow's DOT/ Non-DOT Drug Testing! Our comprehensive service provides access to a nationwide network of testing facilities, flexible scheduling, and electronic reporting to help you stay compliant with DOT regulations and promote safety on the road.