If your drivers or workers are not DOT-regulated, you still may want a drug testing program. Non-DOT testing is more flexible — but it needs a clear written policy.
Decide What to Test
Unlike DOT, non-DOT lets you choose the panel (5, 10, or expanded) and the method (urine, hair, oral fluid). More drugs can be screened, and hair testing offers a longer detection window.
Define the Testing Types
A good policy spells out which situations trigger a test:
- Pre-employment
- Random
- Reasonable suspicion
- Post-accident
- Return-to-work
Put It in Writing
Your policy should state the consequences of a positive, how results are handled, and how employee privacy is protected. State laws vary, so a written, consistently applied policy is your best protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-DOT tests screen for more drugs than DOT? Yes. Non-DOT programs can use expanded panels and methods like hair testing that DOT does not use.
Do I need a written policy for non-DOT testing? Strongly recommended. A clear, consistently applied written policy protects you legally and keeps testing fair.
Can Test Pro help write my policy? Yes. We help employers build compliant non-DOT drug and alcohol testing programs.
Let Test Pro Handle It
Test Pro LLC in Kent, WA helps owner-operators, motor carriers and employers stay compliant across Washington and beyond — drug and alcohol testing, random pools, IFTA, filings and driver files. Call (206) 518-2097 or book an appointment. Questions first? Contact us.