Compliance
FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
The Clearinghouse is the FMCSA database of CDL drivers' drug and alcohol program violations. Carriers must query it before hiring and annually.
The Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is an online database the FMCSA launched in January 2020 that stores every CDL driver's drug and alcohol program violations — positive test results, refusals, and SAP return-to-duty status.
Carriers must run a pre-employment full query before putting any new driver behind the wheel, plus an annual limited query for every CDL driver they employ. Full queries require driver consent (electronic, via the Clearinghouse portal). Limited queries require a one-time general consent.
A 'prohibited' status means the driver can't operate a CMV until they complete the SAP return-to-duty process. Missing a query is a CSA Driver Fitness violation and can void insurance.
Run compliance & dispatch in one place
Hayes combines a DOT-aware ATS, dispatch, EDI, and document compliance — built for carriers who don't want five logins.
Related terms
Compliance
DOT Number
A DOT number is the unique identifier the FMCSA assigns to every interstate commercial motor carrier in the United States.
Safety
CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability)
CSA is the FMCSA's safety scoring program. It rolls roadside inspections and crashes into seven BASIC categories that shape audits and insurance.
Compliance
Driver Qualification File (DQF)
The DQF is the federally required folder of documents proving a driver is qualified to operate a CMV. Auditors look at it first.