On November 18, 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will start notifying state licensing agencies when a driver is newly prohibited in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DAC).

After this change, traffic safety enforcement officers will be able to identify prohibited drivers by conducting a license check during a traffic stop. This is intended to remove prohibited drivers from operating a commercial motor vehicle more quickly. During roadside inspections in 2023, almost 5,400 drivers were placed out of service for violations listed in the Clearinghouse.

While the FMCSA’s efforts to streamline the driver verification process are helping fleets reduce their risk via the DAC, it also has reduced the pool of qualified drivers. The new requirement that will take effect on November 18th is expected to shrink the driver pool more.

In this year’s road check – May 14-16 – the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will focus on Tractor Protection Issues. This year, inspectors will also be screening drivers for signs of drug or alcohol impairment, and making data checks to see if drivers are listed as being in “prohibited driving status” on the FMCSA’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Fundamental Webinar: Tuesday, June 11, 2o24

Back by popular demand! Join us on Zoom for a webinar featuring transportation specialist Stacy Ropp. Stacy Ropp is a Transportation Specialist at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). She works in the Compliance Division within the Office of Enforcement and Compliance. Ms. Ropp is the Hours of Service Enforcement lead and is involved with numerous other FMCSA programs such as Automated Driving Systems and Safety Fitness Determination. Prior to joining the Compliance Division, Ms. Ropp was a Safety Investigator in the FMCSA New Jersey field office, having conducted compliance investigations and vehicle inspections.