Understanding Your Reasonable Suspicion Requirements

MARCH 19, 2019 – If one of your DOT-regulated drivers showed up ready to work – but was under the influence of drugs or alcohol – would you be able to recognize the signs?

According to the FMCSA, the answer should be “yes.” In fact, anyone who supervises one or more drivers, and works for a company that operates CDL vehicles on public roads, is required to take a training course so that they can more easily identify symptoms of drug and alcohol abuse among their employees.

What is Required? 

Under regulation 49 CFR 382.603, supervisors must complete 120 minutes of training: 60 minutes on the symptoms of alcohol abuse and 60 minutes on the symptoms of drug abuse. The goal of this training, which can be completed entirely online, is two-fold:

• To familiarize yourself with common symptoms of substance abuse
• To better understand the reasonable suspicion testing process – and when it’s ok to send an employee for a drug or alcohol test.

The FMCSA requires anyone who supervises drivers to complete this two-hour training program once they’re employed with your company. Once the requirement is met, they won’t need to take it again.

At Foley, we provide an interactive e-learning program that allows supervisors to complete the two-hour reasonable suspicion training entirely online.  You can learn more about the program, and our other e-learning options, by calling (800) 253-5506.