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Regulatory Guidance

Welcome to the FMCSA Guidance Portal. This web portal is a searchable, indexed database that contains and links to all guidance documents in effect from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract.

To comment on any guidance document, or to request issuance, reconsideration, modification, or rescission of any guidance document, please identify the guidance document in your request and send it to: FMCSAguidance@dot.gov. NOTE: The FMCSAguidance mailbox is not intended to serve as a mailbox for general inquiries. For inquiries that go beyond the limited purpose of the FMCSAguidance mailbox, please call FMCSA's Information Line (800-832-5660) or visit FMCSA's "Contact Us" page to send your inquiry to the appropriate mailbox.

Subject Agency Identifier Topic Issued Date
Can I initiate queries for a large number of drivers without having to enter them into the system one at a time? FMCSA-D&A-CLEAR-382-FAQ005 Guidance on how to enter a bulk query in the Clearinghouse
How are substance abuse professionals (SAPs) required to use the Clearinghouse? FMCSA-D&A-CLEAR-382.705-FAQ011 Guidance on SAP Use of the Clearinghouse
What is the timeframe in which an employer must submit a report of an employee’s drug and alcohol program violation to the Clearinghouse? FMCSA-D&A-CLEAR-382-FAQ017 Guidance on Employer Violation Reporting Timeframe
How do I manage my company’s Clearinghouse user accounts? FMCSA-D&A-CLEAR-382-FAQ024 Guidance on managing user account
Is the annual requirement for employee queries based upon the calendar year or by hire date? FMCSA-D&A-CLEAR-382.701-FAQ001-RESCINDED Guidance on Clearinghouse Annual Query Date
Is an employer required to conduct pre-employment and annual Clearinghouse queries for drivers who are in a random testing pool regulated by another DOT agency? FMCSA-D&A-CLEAR-382.701-FAQ006 Guidance on whether an employer is required to conduct pre-employment and annual Clearinghouse queries for drivers who are in a random testing pool regulated by another DOT agency.
Can a Clearinghouse Assistant accept invitations from multiple Administrators? FMCSA-D&A-CLEAR-382-FAQ003 Guidance on Multiple Assistant Clearinghouse Accounts
Should violations that occurred before the Clearinghouse Implementation Date be reported to the Clearinghouse? FMCSA-D&A-CLEAR-382.705-FAQ013 Guidance on reporting violations that occurred before the Clearinghouse Implementation Date
May drivers access their own information in the Clearinghouse? FMCSA-D&A-CLEAR-382.709-FAQ001 Guidance on driver access to Clearinghouse information
How is driver data protected in the Clearinghouse? FMCSA-D&A-CLEAR-382-FAQ013 Guidance on Clearinghouse security