When it comes to safety-sensitive jobs, staying drug and alcohol-free isn’t just good practice — it’s federal law. The foundation for today’s Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing requirements can be traced back to a single piece of legislation: the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991.
Why Was It Passed?
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, public concern over the role of drugs and alcohol in transportation accidents was growing. A series of serious incidents—some involving fatalities—highlighted the need for stronger oversight. The tipping point came when investigations revealed that substance use had contributed to crashes in aviation, trucking, railroads, and other sectors.
Recognizing the threat to public safety, Congress passed the Omnibus Act in 1991. The goal was simple but far-reaching: to ensure that anyone performing safety-sensitive functions in transportation—pilots, truck drivers, train engineers, pipeline controllers, and others—was subject to drug and alcohol testing.
What Did the Omnibus Act Require?
The Act mandated that DOT agencies create regulations requiring:
- Random testing
- Post-accident testing
- Reasonable suspicion testing
- Return-to-duty and follow-up testing for individuals who previously tested positive
These rules apply across a range of transportation industries overseen by DOT agencies such as the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), FRA (Federal Railroad Administration), and others.
View the full regulation here:
Department of Transportation’s (DOT) rule, 49 CFR Part 40
A Uniform Standard for Safety
What made the Omnibus Act unique was its establishment of a uniform standard. By creating one federal requirement, it helped ensure consistency across industries and states. Since then, DOT-regulated testing has become a cornerstone of transportation safety in the U.S.
CMI & DOT Compliance
At CMI, we help employers meet these federal requirements by providing DOT-compliant alcohol testing solutions, including evidential breath testing devices, training, and support. Whether you’re managing a fleet or overseeing compliance for a single site, we’re here to help you stay on track with federal guidelines.
Need help navigating DOT alcohol testing requirements?
Contact us today to speak with a compliance specialist or explore our range of DOT-approved testing products.
