DOT Mulls Changes to Drug Test Documentation

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing to allow electronic recordkeeping for drug tests, not just physical documents. 

This change would allow for additional flexibility and reduced costs, according to an Oct. 15 Federal Register notice. When the current regulations were put in place, electronic records were not available, but DOT recognizes that times have changed. 

“DOT supports this transition to a paperless system and is committed to ensuring that the movement to a partially or fully electronic part 40 is done to maximize program efficiencies and reduce costs, while maintaining the integrity and confidentiality requirements of the program,” reads the notice. 

Comments on the proposal are being taken until Dec. 16, which can be submitted online. An advance notice of proposed rulemaking on this topic was published back in August 2022, with most commenters being supportive of the change, according to DOT.