Introducing the CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

When you hire safe drivers and promote good habits, you help make the road a safer place for everyone. And with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMSCA) new Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, you’ll have access to a key driver history resource. Here’s what you need to know before the Clearinghouse debuts.

First, what is it? The Clearinghouse is a secure online database that gives the FMCSA, state driver licensing agencies, state law enforcement personnel, and employers like you real-time access to important information about CDL driver drug and alcohol program violations.

In 2012, Congress directed the Secretary of Transportation to establish the Clearinghouse as part of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The Clearinghouse is scheduled to become operational on January 6, 2020.

To be sure you’re up to speed—and compliant—as the Clearinghouse is implemented, please note these important dates:

• Fall 2019: You can begin registering accounts. They’ll be accessible once the Clearinghouse becomes operational.

• January 6, 2020: You’ll be required to use the Clearinghouse to report and query information about driver drug and alcohol program violations.

• January 23, 2023: You’ll be required to query the Clearinghouse to satisfy employer requirements regarding prospective drivers.

Throughout the Clearinghouse rollout process, it’s important that you and your drivers familiarize yourselves with related regulations by visiting the FMCSA website.