1. What is the CDL Clearinghouse?

The CDL Clearinghouse is a federal database that tracks commercial driver’s license
(CDL) holders’ drug and alcohol violations. It helps employers ensure their
drivers comply with DOT regulations.

2. What types of violations does the Clearinghouse track?

The Clearinghouse tracks the following types of violations:

• Positive drug test results
• Refusal to test
• Alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher
• Failure to complete a return-to-duty process
• Violation of any DOT-regulated drug or alcohol program

3. Why is the City implementing this policy?
The City must legally participate in the CDL Clearinghouse to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

4. What does this mean for me as a CDL driver?
You must provide written consent to Limited Queries in the Clearinghouse. This consent is a condition of your employment.

5. What is a Limited Query?
A Limited Query is a basic check to see if you have any current violations in the Clearinghouse.

6. What happens if a Limited Query comes back with a
potential violation?
If a Limited Query returns with a potential violation, you must sign an e-consent allowing the City to run a full query within 24 hours. Federal law requires us to remove anyone who fails to provide the e-consent from safety-sensitive work after 24 hours. Additionally, Failure to complete e-consent may lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

7. What is a Full Query?
A Full Query provides more detailed information about any violations you may have, including the date, type of violation, and status of the violation.

8. What if I have a violation in the Clearinghouse?
The City will review violations on a case-by-case basis to determine if they
are compatible with City employment. If your violation is not compatible with
City employment, you may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including
termination. If we determine that you are eligible to remain a City employee,
you will be required to resolve the violation and will not be eligible to
operate a commercial motor vehicle until the violation is resolved.

9. What if I refuse to provide consent for a
Clearinghouse query?
If you refuse to consent, you cannot operate a commercial motor vehicle until you comply with this requirement. Consent is a condition of employment. Employees who do not consent will be subject to termination.

10. Why should I create a Clearinghouse account?
While current employees are not required to have a Clearinghouse account, it is
strongly recommended. If you ever need to provide e-consent for a Limited
Query: having an account will make the process easier and faster. (Remember,
you will only have 24 hours to offer e-consent.) Additionally, if you ever leave City employment, other employers will require a
Clearinghouse account to complete the pre-employment process.

11. What should I keep in mind when creating a
Clearinghouse account?

• Use a personal email address: The City cannot help you access your
  Clearinghouse account if you forget the password. If you do not 
  have an email address, consider creating a free email account using a
  popular service like Google, Yahoo, or Outlook.
• Keep your account information secure: Protect your login credentials to
  prevent unauthorized access.

12. How do I create a Clearinghouse account? To create a Clearinghouse account, visit the FMCSA Clearinghouse website at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/ and follow the registration instructions. The process is free and can be completed online