FMCSA to Lower Controlled Substances Random Testing Rate for Calendar Year 2016

Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced that it will lower the random testing rate for controlled substances from the current 50 percent to 25 percent for the upcoming calendar year, effective January 1.

FMCSA conducts a random survey to ensure compliance with the set testing rates, known as the Management Information System (MIS) or MIS survey. According to federal regulations, when the data received in the MIS for two consecutive calendar years indicate that the positive rate for controlled substances is less than one percent, the FMCSA Administrator has the discretion to lower the minimum annual testing rate.

While the MIS survey resulted in a positive rate of less than one percent for the 2011 and 2012 testing years, the Acting Administrator chose to maintain the 50 percent rate for another year. The 2013 testing year also showed a positive rate of less than one percent, so after three years, the Acting Administrator approved a lower testing rate. If at any time the positive rate for controlled substances exceeds one percent, the testing rate will revert back to 50 percent. For a copy of the announcement, click here.   

To verify the current random testing rates of FMCSA and other agencies within the Department of Transportation, please visit the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance’s website by clicking here.