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Select the Required Test
Choose the appropriate testing option for your situation. Depending on the accident and citation timing, you may need a DOT drug test, a DOT alcohol test, or both.
Nationwide coordination for DOT post-accident testing, including drug and alcohol testing when a qualifying accident requires prompt action.
Contact CDL Inquiry before purchasing if you are uncertain whether the accident meets DOT post-accident testing requirements.
$65.00 – $130.00
Use this quick reference to determine whether DOT post-accident drug and alcohol testing is required.
For injury and tow-away accidents, a moving-violation citation issued to the CMV driver can determine whether alcohol testing, drug testing, or both are required. Required testing should be completed as soon as practicable.
If the required alcohol test is not completed within 2 hours after the accident, the employer must prepare and keep a record explaining why the test was not promptly administered.
If the test is still not completed within 8 hours, the employer must stop attempting to administer the post-accident alcohol test and maintain the required record.
The required controlled-substances test should be completed as soon as practicable following the accident.
If it is not completed within 32 hours, the employer must stop attempting to administer the post-accident drug test and prepare and maintain a record explaining why the test was not promptly completed.
Under FMCSA rules, the employer should not continue attempting to perform the required DOT post-accident alcohol test after the 8-hour limit, or the required DOT post-accident drug test after the 32-hour limit.
The employer or owner-operator must prepare and maintain a record explaining why the required test was not promptly administered. These records must be provided to FMCSA if requested.
If the deadline has already passed and you are unsure what steps to take next, contact CDL Inquiry before placing an order for a post-accident test.
Once you determine that DOT post-accident testing is required, CDL Inquiry helps you move through the process quickly and clearly.
Choose the appropriate testing option for your situation. Depending on the accident and citation timing, you may need a DOT drug test, a DOT alcohol test, or both.
After your order is submitted, CDL Inquiry provides the information and instructions needed to complete the required testing and proceed to the appropriate collection location.
Follow the provided instructions and complete the required drug and/or alcohol testing as soon as practicable within the applicable DOT testing timeframe.
Review the post-accident requirement chart above or contact CDL Inquiry before placing your order if you are uncertain which testing option applies to your situation.
CDL Inquiry helps coordinate the testing process so you know what to do and where to go after placing your order.
Your selected post-accident testing order is reviewed and processed so the appropriate testing can be coordinated.
You receive information for completing the required testing through an appropriate collection location.
CDL Inquiry provides instructions so the driver or employer understands the next steps for completing the ordered testing.
If questions arise during the process, CDL Inquiry can assist with questions related to the testing order and coordination process.
If you are unsure whether you need a DOT drug test, DOT alcohol test, or both, review the FMCSA requirement chart above or contact CDL Inquiry before placing the order.
When post-accident testing is required, the driver and employer have additional responsibilities while the testing process is underway.
A driver who is subject to DOT post-accident testing must remain readily available for the required testing. Failure to remain available may be treated by the employer as a refusal to submit to testing.
DOT rules do not require an injured driver or another injured person to delay necessary medical treatment. A driver may also leave the scene when necessary to obtain emergency assistance or medical care.
A driver who is required to take a post-accident alcohol test must not consume alcohol for 8 hours after the accident or until the post-accident alcohol test is completed, whichever occurs first.
FMCSA requires employers to provide drivers with the information, procedures, and instructions they need to comply with post-accident testing requirements before the driver operates a commercial motor vehicle.
Answers to common questions about FMCSA post-accident drug and alcohol testing requirements.
Testing is required after an accident involving a human fatality, regardless of whether the CMV driver receives a citation.
For an accident involving bodily injury requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene, or disabling damage requiring a vehicle to be towed, testing depends on whether the CMV driver receives the applicable moving-violation citation.
For a fatal accident, DOT post-accident drug and alcohol testing is required within the applicable testing windows.
For a qualifying injury or tow-away accident, a moving-violation citation issued within 8 hours can trigger both the alcohol and drug testing requirements.
If the qualifying citation is issued after 8 hours but within 32 hours, the drug-testing requirement may still apply even though the alcohol citation window has passed.
Required post-accident testing should be completed as soon as practicable.
For alcohol testing, if the test is not completed within 2 hours, the employer must document why it was not promptly administered. If the alcohol test is not completed within 8 hours, attempts must stop and the reason must be documented.
For controlled-substances testing, attempts must stop if the test is not completed within 32 hours, and the employer must document why the test was not promptly completed.
Once the applicable FMCSA testing window has expired, the employer should not simply continue attempting to perform the missed DOT post-accident test.
After the 8-hour alcohol deadline or 32-hour drug deadline, the employer must stop attempts to administer that test and prepare and maintain a record explaining why the test was not promptly completed.
FMCSA may request those records. If the testing window has already passed, contact CDL Inquiry before placing an order if you are unsure how to proceed.
Yes. A driver who is subject to DOT post-accident testing must remain readily available for the required testing. Failure to remain available may be treated by the employer as a refusal to submit to testing.
This does not mean necessary medical care must be delayed. A driver may leave the accident scene when necessary to obtain emergency assistance or needed medical treatment.
A driver who is required to take a DOT post-accident alcohol test must not consume alcohol for 8 hours after the accident or until the post-accident alcohol test is completed, whichever occurs first.
For complete federal requirements, review the official FMCSA and federal regulation sources.
View FMCSA Post-Accident Testing Requirements ↗Select the testing required for your situation and submit your order. If you are uncertain whether a drug test, alcohol test, or both are required, contact CDL Inquiry before ordering.