Clearinghouse
What Is the Clearinghouse and Who Needs It?
The Clearinghouse is a secure, online database created under 49 CFR §â€¯382.701 that tracks drug‑ and alcohol‑testing violations for every CDL driver in the United States. Employers of CDL drivers must use it to check a driver’s record before hiring and to monitor existing drivers, while Medical Review Officers (MROs), Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs), and Consortium/Third‑Party Administrators (C/TPAs) are required to report test results and return‑to‑duty progress. Owner‑operators must register in two roles—driver and employer—to stay compliant.
When to Query or Report
Pre‑Employment
Before a CDL driver performs safety‑sensitive functions, the employer must obtain the driver’s electronic consent and run a full query.
Annual
Every employer must check each CDL driver’s record at least once in every 12‑month period, keeping proof of the query for three years.
Violation Reporting
Positive tests, refusals, and return‑to‑duty completions must be reported by the employer, MRO, or SAP within three business days of the event.