Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for enforcing the laws related to alcohol and drug testing of commercial drivers. The testing procedure includes the frequency of tests and substances used. These tests ensure the safety of drivers, vehicles, and other people. The department of transportation has an approved list of alcohol testing devices to breath test for alcohol to determine if the driver has alcohol in his body or not. Workers have a prohibition of not using alcohol for 4 hours before coming to work, and while at work. That is 4 hours bottle to throttle. After work the covered workers can go to a bar or pub or buy beer or wine.
What Is DOT Breath Alcohol Test?
The DOT Breath Alcohol Test is a non-invasive test used in the field to determine a driver’s breath alcohol level. This test requires no blood or other bodily fluids but a breath sample from the driver. The sample is analysed, determining if there are any detectable amounts of alcohol in the driver’s system. Using approved devices a breath test greater than .04 is a positive breath test. .08 is a level equal to driving under the influence in most states. If a driver has a breath test greater than .02 the driver should not drive that day.
Who Comes Under The DOT Test Guidelines
- Drivers who drive a vehicle that weighs more than 26000 pounds, or carries 15 or more passengers, or carries a hazard placard
Crucial Points To Keep In Mind
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for requiring companies to test their drivers randomly for alcohol.. If you drive a commercial vehicle, you are subject to the 4 hour prohibition of using alcohol before coming to work and you will be subject the alcohol breath test.
The DOT requires your company to test you to take a breath test during an administrative inspection if the supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that you are impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- The DOT test can be administered by police officers or certified technicians in a medical setting, such as a hospital emergency department or doctor’s office.
- The official must use the DOT breath testing device correctly for it to work properly. There are officers and licensed persons who are trained to operate the devices who can perform such tests.
- In most cases, all required to pass the test is two short breaths into a specially designed breath tester for an alcohol machine. It measures blood alcohol content (BAC) at 0.08% for drivers under 21 years old and 0.02% for drivers over 21 years old — but not 0.04%.
- If you fail your DOT test, there are several consequences you may face. You will be taken off the covered job. You will be referred to a SAP to initiate the return to duty process. A SAP is a Substance Abuse Professional who can write you a return to duty letter. That letter with a clean test and you can work immediately in the covered job.
- lood alcohol content was equal to or greater than
Conclusion
Regular blood testing is crucial for public safety. Drivers should always stay conscious about their alcohol intake if they have to drive. It is best to avoid drinking alcohol for 4 hours before coming to work. Breath alcohol testing by Norton Medical Industries can ensure that your drivers comply with all the standard rules.