Department of Transportation (DOT) Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace

The League of Minnesota Cities posted information on its website that includes a model DOT Drug and Alcohol testing policy.  DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing

The League received several questions regarding medical marijuana and its impact on a city’s DOT policy.  As the linked memo notes on page 8, federal DOT laws do not recognize any legitimate medical use of marijuana.   Further, even if marijuana is legally prescribed, DOT regulations treat its use like that of any other illicit drug.

 From time to time the League has received calls asking whether DOT medical cards are mandated for municipal employees who are required to possess a valid CDL.  Page 25 of the memo notes, at this time generally a DOT medical card is not mandated for municipal employees who are required to possess a CDL. While such a health card is not required presently, it may be in the future, and some cities presently choose to require employees to have one as a best practices approach for liability reasons only.

 

By Joyce P. Hottinger, SPHR | Assistant Human Resources Director League of Minnesota Cities