Clearinghouse Insights: A Wake-Up Call for the Transportation Industry

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Clearinghouse has become an essential tool for strengthening road safety and ensuring that commercial drivers comply with alcohol and drug regulations.

In its most recent report, as of July 1, 2025, the DOT revealed that more than 300,000 CDL/CLP holders have at least one violation recorded in the Clearinghouse drug and alcohol program.

What does this mean for drivers?

When a commercial driver has a violation recorded, they must be immediately removed from any safety-sensitive functions, including the operation of commercial vehicles.

The only way to return to the road is to complete the Return-to-Duty (RTD) process, which includes evaluation, testing, and strict compliance with the requirements established by the FMCSA.

Key figures from the DOT report

📊 The latest data speaks for itself:

🛑 190,402 drivers are currently in prohibited status.

⏳ 148,276 drivers have not yet started the Return-to-Duty (RTD) process.

The report also highlights the jurisdictions with the highest number of violations, led by Texas, followed by California and Florida. These states concentrate the largest number of cases, representing a wake-up call for both companies and drivers to constantly review their status in the Clearinghouse.

Implications for the transportation industry

For companies:It is crucial that business owners in the United States periodically review the status of their drivers in the Clearinghouse. Hiring or keeping a driver in prohibited status can lead to severe penalties and jeopardize road safety.

At Trucking Services and Logistic, we support business owners in verifying their fleet and ensuring regulatory compliance.

For drivers:When a driver has a violation recorded in the Clearinghouse, they cannot legally operate a commercial vehicle. Starting the Return-to-Duty process as soon as possible is essential to resume their profession and avoid further complications.

We provide guidance to:

• Drivers who began their process with a SAP but have not yet taken the return-to-duty test.

• Drivers who have already passed the return-to-duty test but have not completed their follow-up testing plan.

  
  

It is important to remember that leaving the process incomplete can have consequences. If the established timelines are not met, the driver may be reported again in the Clearinghouse.

Support in the Return-to-Duty process

If you are a driver and need guidance to meet the requirements and return to work legally and safely, we are here to help you.

Contact us today — we are ready to guide you every step of the way.

👉Let’s talk now!