Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH)

All drug and alcohol testing results for commercial drivers must be reported to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH). The Clearinghouse is a secure federal database that tracks drug and alcohol program violations for CDL and CLP holders. Its purpose is to improve safety and accountability by preventing drivers from hiding violations when changing employers or moving between states.

What the Clearinghouse Does

• Stores Violations: Records positive drug or alcohol tests, test refusals, and "actual knowledge" violations.
• Monitors Return‑to‑Duty (RTD): Tracks a driver’s progress through required evaluation, treatment, and testing after a violation.
• Coordinates with State Agencies: Works with State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) to downgrade or restrict commercial driving privileges for drivers listed as "Prohibited."

How the Clearinghouse Works

1. Registration
   Employers, drivers, Medical Review Officers (MROs), and Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) must create a Clearinghouse account and complete secure identity verification through Login.gov.
2. Reporting Violations
   MROs or employers must report positive test results, refusals, or other violations within three business days. Once a violation is reported, the driver’s status becomes "Prohibited," meaning they cannot operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
3. Employer Query Requirements
   1. Pre‑Employment (Full Query): Employers must run a full query before hiring a CDL driver. Drivers must provide electronic consent within the Clearinghouse.
   2. Annual Queries: Employers must conduct at least one limited or full query on every currently employed CDL driver each year.
4. Return‑to‑Duty (RTD) Process
   Drivers listed as Prohibited must complete the DOT‑mandated RTD process to regain eligibility. This includes:
   1. Completing an initial evaluation with a qualified SAP
   2. Finishing all required education or treatment
   3. Undergoing a follow‑up evaluation to confirm successful completion
   4. Passing a directly observed RTD drug/alcohol test
   5. Once the SAP and testing laboratory submit the required reports, the driver’s status updates to "Not Prohibited" and follow‑up testing requirements begin.

For additional details, visit the FMCSA Clearinghouse website: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/

See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information that employers of commercial truck and bus driver should know.

SC Code Sections 23-3-430;23-3-460; 56-1-2030
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulation 49 CFR Parts 391; 391.42; 383.25; 383.25 (E)