What to do if your FMCSA Clearinghouse Status is Prohibited

Finding out your status in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is marked as "Prohibited" is a terrifying moment for any CDL driver. As of November 18, 2024, a prohibited status also triggers an automatic, nationwide downgrade of your CDL by your State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA).

You cannot legally drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) until this is resolved. Here is the exact step-by-step Return-to-Duty (RTD) process you must follow to get your livelihood back.

Step 1: Understand Why You Are Prohibited

Your status becomes prohibited if an employer, Consortium/Third-Party Administrator (C/TPA), or Medical Review Officer (MRO) reports any of the following to the Clearinghouse:

• A positive drug or alcohol test result
• A refusal to take a drug or alcohol test
• An employer's report of actual knowledge of a violation (e.g., drinking on the job)

Step 2: Select a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)

To begin the Return-to-Duty process, you must log into your FMCSA Clearinghouse account and designate a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). The SAP must accept your request inside the Clearinghouse portal before the process can officially begin.

Warning: Do not just pick any counselor. They must be explicitly certified by the DOT as a SAP.

Step 3: Complete the SAP Evaluation and Education/Treatment

You will have an initial face-to-face (or approved clinical video) evaluation with your SAP. They will prescribe a plan of education and/or treatment. You must complete this plan entirely. Once finished, you will have a follow-up evaluation with the same SAP.

If the SAP determines you have successfully completed the requirements, they will enter a report into the Clearinghouse indicating you are eligible for a Return-to-Duty test.

Step 4: Pass the Return-to-Duty (RTD) Test

At this point, your status in the Clearinghouse will change to "Not Prohibited - RTD test required." Only an employer (or prospective employer) can send you for this specific test. You cannot do it independently.

You must take and pass a DOT-observed Return-to-Duty drug and/or alcohol test. Once the negative result is reported to the Clearinghouse by the MRO, your CDL privileges can be reinstated, and you can legally drive a CMV again.

Step 5: The Follow-Up Testing Plan

Getting back on the road is not the end. Your SAP will establish a follow-up testing plan consisting of a minimum of six unannounced, directly observed tests during the first 12 months of your return to driving. This plan can extend for up to 60 months.

Are You an Employer Dealing with Clearinghouse Compliance?

Managing employee Clearinghouse queries and dealing with Return-to-Duty tracking is heavily audited by the DOT. One missed annual query can result in massive fines.