CLEARING HOUSE REGISTRATON

CLEARING HOUSE REGISTRATON

Employers can report drug and alcohol program violations to the Clearinghouse, a centralized database, and query it to make sure that current or potential employees aren't barred from doing safety-sensitive tasks like operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) because of an unresolved drug and alcohol program violation—that is, a violation for which the driver hasn't finished the return-to-duty (RTD) process. Queries must be made at least once a year for current workers and as part of a pre-employment driving check.

Employers with FMCSA Portal Accounts

As an employer, you need to have an FMCSA Portal account if you have a USDOT Number. Motor carrier personnel can access FMCSA online systems using the FMCSA Portal, a web portal. Before registering for the Clearinghouse, you should request an FMCSA Portal Account if your company has, or should have, a USDOT Number.

An owner-operator, or employer who employs oneself as a CDL driver (usually a single-driver operation), must identify the C/TPA in the Clearinghouse. Employers may also select a C/TPA who may report violations and/or handle questions on their behalf.

Establishing a Clearinghouse Account and conducting CDL driver inquiries is a requirement for motor carriers, and it must be done both yearly (every 12 months after employment) and before to employment.

Drivers with FMCSA Portal Accounts

It is not necessary for drivers to register with the Clearinghouse. If a potential or existing employer wishes to do a complete query of the driver's Clearinghouse record, including all pre-employment questions, the driver must be registered to offer electronic consent in the Clearinghouse.

A driver must also be registered in order to electronically access information from his or her Clearinghouse record.