Characterization of Controlled Substance and Alcohol Violations Among Drivers of Non-CDL Commercial Motor Vehicles

Project Goal:

In this study, the Research Division of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will conduct an analysis to characterize the nature, scope, and incidence of controlled substance and alcohol violations involving drivers of non-CDL commercial motor vehicles.

Background:

As used in relation to this study, the term “non-CDL commercial motor vehicles” refers to vehicles which meet the definition of a commercial motor vehicle as defined in 49 CFR 390.5T, but not the definitions in 49 CFR § 383.5 (which applies to CMVs requiring a CDL) or 49 CFR § 382.107.

Drivers of non-CDL commercial motor vehicles are not required to hold a commercial driver’s license and are not subject to the controlled substance and alcohol regulations in 49 CFR Part 382 (e.g., random and pre-employment controlled substance and alcohol testing). However, they are still required to comply with the FMCSRs generally, and are prohibited from possessing, using, or being under the influence of controlled substances and alcohol while operating non-CDL commercial motor vehicles.

Recent reports from FMCSA field staff suggest that, relative to historical trends, violations of these prohibitions are being discovered more frequently among drivers of non-CDL commercial motor vehicles.

Summary:

FMCSA’s Research Division will perform analyses of enforcement data to characterize the nature, scope, and incidence of controlled substance and alcohol violations among drivers of non-CDL commercial motor vehicles. For example, statistics regarding the type of prohibited behavior and particular substances being encountered will be documented. Regional differences in enforcement will be described, as well as other key information that may be useful in identifying trends in the data. Finally, the Research Division will examine whether the frequency of violations of this type appears to be elevated relative to historical trends.

In addition to providing an overview of these issues, this research may provide insight into whether current regulatory controls for non-CDL commercial motor vehicle drivers continue to be successful in preventing controlled substances and alcohol violations.

Contractor:

N/A (Internal Project)