Return to duty drug test is a must for drivers operating under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA); a failed drug test violates the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing regulations. Before a driver can return to safety-sensitive functions such as driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), they must complete a strict Return-to-Duty (RTD) process as outlined in 49 CFR Part 40 and 49 CFR Part 382.
goMDnow, a certified Third-Party Administrator (TPA), plays a critical role for drivers and employers through this federally mandated process and ensuring full compliance with DOT and FMCSA requirements.
A driver is required to complete the RTD process after any of the following DOT violations:
Submit a return to duty drug test today with more than 20,000 collection sites all over the US, making it easy for drivers to provide samples no matter where they are located. For further details and queries, contact us at 980-655-4455.
Step 1. Immediate Removal from Safety-Sensitive Duties
Step 2. Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Referral
Step 3. Completion of SAP's Recommendations
Step 4: Follow-Up Evaluation
After completing the treatment and/or education, the driver must undergo a follow-up assessment and evaluation with the SAP to determine if the return-to-duty criteria have been met.
Step 5. Scheduling the Return-to-Duty Drug Test
The TPA manages the logistics, reporting, and ensures the Chain of Custody (COC) is maintained. The result must be negative for the driver to be eligible to return to safety-sensitive functions.
Step 6. Implementation of Follow-Up Testing Plan
After passing the RTD test, the SAP provides a follow-up testing schedule, per 49 CFR § 40.307.
A driver cannot begin follow-up testing before being hired by an employer. According to DOT Regulations:
The follow-up testing plan created by the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) must be carried out under the direction of an employer. It cannot be started or completed independently by the driver without being employed.
Owner-Operators (Special Case)
If the driver is an owner-operator (i.e., self-employed), they:
Are you an owner-operator looking to get back your CDL license? Order an RTD Drug Test Today or Call us at 980-655-4455 for more details on it.
goMDnow Responsibilities in the RTD Drug Test
| Task | goMDnow’s Role |
|---|---|
| Process Management | Track progress and compliance with SAP recommendations |
| Test Scheduling | Coordinate observed RTD test with certified lab and collection site |
| MRO Reviewed Results | Medically reviewed test results and report release |
| Clearinghouse Reporting | Reporting the RTD Drug Test Results in the Clearinghouse |
*Include Observed Urine Drug Test For $99.95*
*FMCSA Clearinghouse Reporting $30.00*
Note: (Step 1 to 4) SAP Assessment are not included in this price. goMDnow is not responsible for any SAP Assessments. SAP Assessment must be completed by independent SAP before submitting Return to duty drug test.
For Follow-Up Testing
| Task | goMDnow’s Role |
|---|---|
| Process Management | Track progress and compliance with SAP recommendations |
| SAP Coordination | Reaching out to SAP for a follow-up plan |
| Setting up Plan | Scheduling the whole testing plan |
| Test Scheduling | Coordinate observed follow-up test with the certified lab and the collection site. |
| MRO Reviewed Results | Medically reviewed test results release |
| Clearinghouse Reporting | Ensuring follow-up test results are reported |
*Include Follow-Up Plan Setup For $100.00*
*FMCSA Clearinghouse Reporting $30.00*
Per FMCSA regulation, owner-operators must use a TPA for managing the entire DOT drug and alcohol testing program, including RTD and follow-up testing. Self-administration is not allowed under 49 CFR § 382.103(b).
The Return-to-Duty process is not optional — it’s a federally enforced requirement to ensure only drug- and alcohol-free drivers operate commercial vehicles. With goMDnow, employers and drivers can confidently complete the RTD process, from SAP referral to the final follow-up test.
When drivers fail a DOT drug test or violate drug and alcohol regulations, they often have questions about the Return to Duty (RTD) drug testing process. Here are some frequently asked questions that drivers ask their Third-Party Administrators (TPAs).
The RTD drug test is a DOT-mandated test required for drivers who have violated DOT drug and alcohol regulations. This test must return a negative result before a driver can resume safety-sensitive duties.
Yes. The RTD drug test must be conducted under direct observation, meaning a same-gender observer watches the driver while they provide a urine sample. This is stricter than a standard pre-employment or random DOT drug test.
No. The RTD drug test must be performed by a DOT-certified laboratory and follow 49 CFR Part 40 procedures. Drivers should confirm with their TPA or employer that the facility they choose is DOT-compliant.
If you fail the RTD drug test, you cannot return to safety-sensitive duties. You may need to repeat the SAP program, and your employer may take further action. Multiple violations can result in permanent disqualification from operating CMVs.
The timeline varies based on SAP’s recommendations and the driver’s completion of the program. It may take weeks or months, depending on the required treatment, counselling, or education.
Yes. Once you pass the RTD drug test, your SAP will prescribe a minimum of six follow-up tests within the first 12 months. Follow-up testing can continue for up to five years.
Yes. All DOT drug and alcohol violations are recorded in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for five years. Employers must check a driver’s Clearinghouse record before hiring them for a safety-sensitive position.
Drivers can select a different SAP at the start of the RTD process, but once the SAP evaluation begins, switching providers may not be allowed.
Drivers can locate a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) using resources like the FMCSA Clearinghouse website or through a TPA that provides SAP services.
Understanding these key aspects of the Return to Duty drug testing process can help drivers to go through the requirements efficiently and return to work safely and compliantly.
No, a driver cannot begin follow-up testing before being hired by an employer.
Contact us for more queries related to RTD Drug Tests or email us @ info@gomdnow.com
