Drug & Alcohol – Return-to-Duty Test
Drug & Alcohol – Return-to-Duty (RTD) Test is the mandatory DOT test required
after a driver completes the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) process following a
drug or alcohol violation. We coordinate the required DOT test and provide documentation needed to
restore eligibility for safety-sensitive duties.
Drug & Alcohol – Return-to-Duty (RTD) Test
A DOT Return-to-Duty (RTD) Test is required before a driver who violated
drug or alcohol regulations can resume safety-sensitive functions. This test must be
completed after SAP evaluation and treatment completion, and must result
in a verified negative (or acceptable alcohol) result.
- DOT-compliant RTD drug and/or alcohol test
- Required after SAP process completion
- Scheduled at approved collection sites
- Audit-ready documentation for FMCSA & Clearinghouse
DOT Required
Mandatory step before a driver can return to safety-sensitive duties.
SAP-Driven
Conducted only after SAP authorizes Return-to-Duty testing.
Clearinghouse Support
Supports Clearinghouse RTD completion and employer documentation.
Service Overview
A Return-to-Duty test is required when a driver has:
- Tested positive on a DOT drug or alcohol test
- Refused a DOT drug or alcohol test
- Had a BAC of 0.04 or greater
- Committed another DOT drug & alcohol violation
FleetXceed coordinates the required RTD test once the SAP confirms the driver has
successfully completed treatment and is eligible to test.
What’s Included
- DOT urine drug test and/or DOT alcohol test (as directed by SAP)
- Scheduling at an approved DOT collection or BAT site
- Electronic CCF and/or Alcohol Testing Form (ATF)
- HHS-certified laboratory processing
- MRO review and verification of results
- Employer/DER notification of RTD completion
- Documentation suitable for FMCSA & Clearinghouse records
What You Will Receive
1. Verified RTD Test Result
- Negative drug test or compliant alcohol result
- MRO-verified documentation
2. Return-to-Duty Documentation
- Proof that RTD testing requirements were met
- Records for Clearinghouse & employer files
3. Compliance Guidance
- Next steps for follow-up testing plan
- Guidance on driver reinstatement procedures
How It Works
- Purchase the Return-to-Duty Test service.
- Confirm SAP authorization for RTD testing.
- We schedule the required DOT test(s).
- Driver completes testing at the assigned site.
- Lab & MRO review results.
- You receive verified RTD documentation.
- Driver becomes eligible to return to safety-sensitive duty.
Regulatory Compliance
- 49 CFR Part 40 – DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Procedures
- 49 CFR Part 382 – FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Regulations
- DOT SAP & Return-to-Duty Requirements
Drivers may not perform safety-sensitive functions until a verified RTD test is completed
and documented.
Who Needs a Return-to-Duty Test?
- Drivers who completed SAP treatment after a violation
- Carriers reinstating a driver after DOT violation
- Owner-operators returning to active duty
- Employers resolving Clearinghouse RTD requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RTD testing the same as follow-up testing?
No — RTD testing is completed before returning to duty. Follow-up testing occurs after.
Who determines what tests are required?
The SAP determines whether drug, alcohol, or both tests are required.
Is Clearinghouse updated automatically?
Employers must report RTD completion in Clearinghouse. We provide guidance.
Can a driver return to work before RTD testing?
No — a verified RTD test result is required first.