Drug Testing for Truck Drivers Can Help Prevent Accidents
By Parks & Braxton, PA
Mar. 21, 2011 10:30a
Federal regulations dictate that all truck drivers operating trucks that are transporting more than sixteen passengers, have more than a CGVWR (commercial gross vehicle weight rating) of 26,000 or are carrying hazardous materials must be tested for the presence of drugs or alcohol. This testing is overseen by the Department of Transportation and can help prevent a commercial DUI. Drivers who operate commercial vehicles on private property are exempt from the testing.
Different Testing Situations
There are different situations under which commercial truck drivers can be tested and these include:
- Prior to being hired for a commercial trucking job (done as a screening process)
- Following an accident involving injuries (testing must happen within 32 hours for drugs and 8 hours for alcohol) to determine if DUI was a contributing factor
- Reasonable suspicion that the driver may be intoxicated (signs must be present) can result in testing
- Return to duty testing is done after a person has tested positive for drugs or alcohol or has refused to be tested. He is then put through the return to duty process in which he gets rigorously tested to ensure he is clean.
- Random tests done that can occur during, right before or right after duty and generally these require the driver who is being requested for testing go immediately to the location to be tested.
Because of the weight and heavy cargo that commercial trucks can carry, it is all the more important that drivers be extra cautious and drive only if they are rested, drug & alcohol free and alert.
Get Legal Counsel
If you have been charged with CDL (commercial driver's license) DUI in the Fort Lauderdale or surrounding area, you should contact a Fort Lauderdale DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. You could face time in jail, monetary fines and loss of your license which could destroy your job if you are convicted. At Parks & Braxton, PA, we can review all of the details of your arrest and give you an evaluation as to what your best options are so as to protect your rights and freedom. We offer over 20 years of experience in both state and federal court and can use our skills to provide you with a strategic defense.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer in our office to set up a free consultation and we will go over the details of your case.
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