States May Get More Time for Clearinghouse Queries

States May Get More Time for Clearinghouse Queries.pdf

On September 6, 2019 (84 fr 46923) the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed to extend the compliance date for the requirement established by the Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) final rule that States request information from the Clearinghouse (“query”) before completing certain commercial driver's license (CDL) transactions.  The States' compliance with this requirement, currently due to begin on January 6, 2020, would be delayed until January 6, 2023.  This proposal would, however, allow States the option to voluntarily request Clearinghouse information beginning on January 6, 2020.  FMCSA emphasizes that the compliance date of January 6, 2020, continues to apply to all other requirements set forth in the Clearinghouse final rule.  Beginning January 6, 2020, CDL holders' drug and alcohol testing program violations must be reported to the Clearinghouse, and motor carrier employers must perform the required queries for prospective and current driver-employees.  Comments on this document must be received on or before October 7, 2019.