This editable planning template covers the policy information listed in 49 CFR 382.601 for employers of CDL drivers subject to the DOT drug and alcohol testing rules. It is a structured starting point, not a one-size-fits-all final policy.
Before issue, the employer should adapt the document to its operation, collective-bargaining terms, state employment law, testing arrangements and current Parts 40 and 382. FMCSA recommends legal, labor-relations and executive review.
Who needs a Part 382 policy?
Part 382 generally applies to employers and drivers operating commercial motor vehicles that require a commercial driver’s license under Part 383. Covered drivers can include full-time, part-time, intermittent, leased and independent drivers operating at the employer’s direction. Owner-operators must participate through a consortium or third-party administrator.
Required policy subjects
- Drivers covered by the rule and the safety-sensitive functions involved
- The designated employer representative and contact information
- Prohibited drug and alcohol conduct
- Testing circumstances and procedures
- What constitutes a refusal to test
- Consequences of violations and removal from safety-sensitive work
- Return-to-duty and follow-up requirements
- Educational information on drug and alcohol effects
- A signed driver receipt or certificate of distribution
Keep DOT and non-DOT rules separate
Do not label a company test as DOT when federal testing is not authorized. A broader workplace policy may include non-DOT testing allowed by state law, but its forms, panels, records and consequences should be clearly distinguished from the federally regulated program.
Policy distribution is evidence
Provide the policy and educational materials before testing begins, then retain the signed certificate of receipt. Record later versions, distribution dates and retraining. A policy file with no proof drivers received it is incomplete.
Do not hard-code vendor details that will become stale
Maintain a controlled appendix for collection sites, MRO, SAP resources, C/TPA and internal contacts where practical. This allows operational details to be updated without quietly changing the employee-conduct rules. Version-control every approved policy.
Related tools and professional review
Use the DOT drug testing requirements checker for an initial applicability review, then see DOT drug and alcohol consortium support for program administration.
Official references
Review 49 CFR 382.601, 49 CFR Part 40 and FMCSA’s policy-development guidance.
Last reviewed August 18, 2026. General information only, not legal or employment advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does FMCSA require a written drug and alcohol policy?
Yes. Employers subject to Part 382 must provide educational materials and a policy containing the information listed in 49 CFR 382.601.
Can I use the template without editing it?
No. Adapt it to the employer’s operation, current service arrangements, state law and employment policies, then obtain appropriate review.
Should DOT and non-DOT testing be in the same section?
They should be clearly distinguished so employees and administrators do not confuse company-authorized testing with federal testing.
Does each covered driver need the policy?
Yes. Provide the policy and educational materials and retain a signed certificate of receipt from each driver.
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