Beginning November 18, 2024, State Drivers License Agencies (SDLAs) across the nation will be required to remove the commercial driving privileges of drivers in a “prohibited” status in the Clearinghouse, which would result in a downgrade of the CDL until the driver completes the return-to-duty (RTD) process. This means no commercial driving for those with drug and alcohol violations.
What’s Changing:
- Mandatory Downgrade of CDL: When the FMCSA Clearinghouse indicates that a driver is “prohibited” from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) due to a drug or alcohol violation, the SDLA is now required to “downgrade” the driver’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), removing the driver’s privilege to operate a CMV.
- Timeline for Downgrades: The SDLA will receive notification of the driver’s prohibited status either through its own queries to the Clearinghouse or directly from the FMCSA. The SDLA has 60 days to complete and record the downgrade in the driver’s Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) record.
- Enforcement of CMV Driving Prohibition: Once the downgrade is recorded, law enforcement officers can cite a driver for operating a CMV without a valid CDL, even if they still possess the physical CDL license.
Carriers must prioritize regular Clearinghouse queries to ensure your drivers remain qualified and compliant. These changes to the FMCSA Clearinghouse represent a significant step towards enhancing road safety by empowering SDLAs to take decisive action against drivers with drug and alcohol violations.
Drivers with drug or alcohol violations, be aware that these changes will directly impact your ability to obtain or maintain a CDL license. Be sure to quickly complete the return-to-duty requirements so you can regain your driving privileges.
- Check out the FMCSA Clearinghouse website: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/
