DOT Post-Accident
Testing Decision Tool

Work through the facts, see separate alcohol and drug-testing decisions, and keep a clear record of your next steps.

Emergency care comes first. Do not delay medical attention to complete this tool. Use one review for each surviving driver. If facts are uncertain, contact your designated employer representative (DER) or testing provider promptly.

Start With the Facts

Review the Accident

Required questions are marked *. Choose “Unsure” when a fact has not been confirmed.

1 · Coverage & Timing
2 · Accident Facts
3 · Decision Record

Does this driver’s operation fall under FMCSA Part 382? *Generally, covered CMV operations require a CDL and operate in commerce. Intrastate work can be covered. A CDL alone does not establish coverage; exemptions and other DOT agencies need separate review. Check applicability. Where did the accident occur? *Cross-border events are referred for review rather than decided by this tool. Was the CMV operating on a public road in commerce? *Confirm the actual road and operation. A private yard or loading-area event needs separate review. Is the driver being evaluated a surviving driver? * Was the occurrence limited to one of these exceptions? *These are the specific incident exceptions in § 382.303(h). Accident Time Zone *Enter all event times using this zone. Include seconds if a fact occurred close to a cutoff. Deadlines account for daylight-saving changes. Accident Date & Time * Review Mode *Current mode refreshes open results each minute. Historical mode is a fixed snapshot.

Clear Answers. A Record You Can Keep.

Built for motor carrier owners, dispatchers, and safety managers reviewing a U.S. accident involving a potentially covered driver. Your answers determine which rules apply. Unknown facts remain visible in the result.

Is the tool free, and do I need an account?

Yes, it is free. No signup is required. Your answers stay in this tab unless you choose to download or print them. Save a draft before closing or refreshing. The tool does not submit your incident or order a test.

Does a hospital or police test automatically satisfy the requirement?

No. The employer must verify whether a test meets the applicable rules and obtain the required records. Certain law-enforcement or public-safety breath/blood alcohol tests and urine drug tests can qualify under § 382.303(g). Routine medical toxicology is not automatically a qualifying test.

What if the testing deadline has passed?

The result distinguishes an earlier testing requirement from one never established by the entered facts. If required testing was not completed within the window, stop attempts under this post-accident rule and document the reasons. A later fatality or citation does not restart the accident clock.

What if FMCSA post-accident testing is not required?

Review any separate employer-policy or legal obligations with the appropriate adviser. DOT and non-DOT tests must remain separate. A negative result from this decision aid is not a general clearance or a compliance certification.

DOT Post-AccidentTesting Decision Tool

Review the Accident

Clear Answers. A Record You Can Keep.

DOT Post-Accident
Testing Decision Tool