The DOT drug test applies to all individuals who are employed by companies that the U.S. Department of Transportation Regulates. It is important for individuals to pass this test, as those employed by the DOT typically work in highly sensitive positions and need to have a great level of care for their work. If you have failed a DOT drug test, you may be wondering what happens now. Our article gives you an idea of your next steps after a failed DOT drug test.
What Is a DOT Drug Test?
The DOT drug test is a five-panel drug screen that tests for marijuana, phencyclidine (PCP), amphetamines, opiates, and cocaine. These tests will typically occur upon employment by a company regulated by the Department of Transportation or at regular intervals throughout their employment.
An example of agencies where employees may need to submit DOT drug tests include the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Federal Transit Administration.
Any company, such as a trucking company that is regulated by the Department of Transportation (which oversees the above agencies and many other agencies), must administer DOT drug tests for employees.
What to Know After a Failed DOT Drug Test
If you have failed a DOT drug test, you can review the following information. Keep these things in mind as you navigate the next steps with your employer and career.
- You may be asked to submit another test – do this without argument and make sure you listen to what your employer is asking of you
- You may be able to discuss the results of your test with your employer
- Your results might be uploaded to a national database; this can make it difficult to find future employment in some situations
- If you have been involved in an accident, you may need legal help
- If you failed because of a substance abuse issue, you may need to seek medical treatment
It’s important to note that this list is general and does not offer situation-specific advice. If you have failed a DOT drug test and your issues are more complex, you may need to consult a legal professional.
Can Other People See a Failed DOT Drug Test On My Record?
A failed DOT drug test will not be part of the public record, as this is considered private and personal information. However, an employer may place this information on your record if you are let go or if you continue to have problems at work, and new employers may be able to see these details if they check with your previous employer. Information about your previous employers is also likely to be visible on your background check report, and this is part of the public record for new employers or other individuals to review.
Will I Lose My Job After a Failed DOT Drug Test?
It is possible to lose your job after a failed DOT drug test, though whether or not this happens depends on your employer’s policies and your specific career field. Some employers may put you on probation, while others will hold your job while you seek help through rehabilitation. In many other cases, failing a DOT drug test, especially if it comes after an arrest, violates the terms you agreed to upon hiring, and you will lose your job.
What If My DOT Drug Test Results Are Not Accurate?
If you failed a DOT drug test but you know that these results are not accurate, you may be able to request another drug test. In general, most state laws make it so that you can discuss and refute the findings of a drug test report as long as you can back it up with evidence to the contrary.
This means that you cannot ask your employer for a re-test if you know you have been doing something that caused you to fail, and will cause you to fail again.
Additionally, if you have been arrested in relation to a DOT drug test but have reason to believe the results are not accurate, you may need to contact a legal professional right away for specialized assistance.
Understanding Your Options
Failing a drug test can be overwhelming, and sometimes, it can be the impetus you need to seek help and start on your journey to recovery from a substance or alcohol abuse issue. If you fail a DOT drug test, your employer will present you with their findings and your options; sometimes, you can keep your job and return after rehab, but in other circumstances, you may be let go from your position immediately.
It’s important to understand your specific options, as every situation and employer is different, and seek the help you need as soon as possible, whether it be legal or rehab-related. Consider running a free people look up to get ahead of the game and see where you stand. Once you do this, you are on track to recovering your life after a failed DOT drug test.