Key DOT Obligations and the Most Common Errors That Can Put Your Company’s Operation at Risk

Complying with the regulations of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) is not just a legal requirement, but a fundamental pillar for ensuring operational continuity, road safety, and your company’s reputation.

However, many companies and drivers continue to make mistakes that can lead to severe penalties, license suspensions, and even a complete shutdown of operations.

Below, we outline the obligations that every DOT-regulated company or driver must comply with, as well as the most frequent violations in the transportation industry.

Key and Fundamental DOT Obligations

1. Drivers with valid licenses Companies must ensure that all drivers operate with valid and active CDL licenses. This requires periodically verifying the license status and taking immediate action in the event of any suspension, revocation, or expiration.

2. Active DOT Alcohol and Drug Program It is mandatory to have a properly implemented and active DOT Alcohol and Drug Program, with a valid consortium or number. This program must include random, pre-employment, post-accident, and Return-to-Duty tests, as applicable.

3. Mandatory Clearinghouse queries Companies must complete the required Clearinghouse database queries, both initial and annual, to verify drivers’ histories.

Most Frequent Violations in the Transportation Industry

🚛 Common violations by companies

• Allowing drivers with suspended or revoked licenses to operate commercial vehicles. This is one of the most frequent and serious violations, as it exposes the company to fines, audits, and significant legal risks.

  
  

• Failing to implement a DOT Alcohol and Drug Program or to perform Clearinghouse queries. Noncompliance in this area can result in immediate penalties and disqualification of the operation.

  
  

👨‍✈️ Frequent violations by drivers

• Failing to renew the DOT medical exam on time: an expired medical exam automatically invalidates the authorization to operate a commercial vehicle.

  
  

• Not meeting English language proficiency requirements: this has recently become one of the most commonly detected violations during inspections, as drivers must be able to communicate and understand instructions in English.

  
  

• Expiration of immigration documents for drivers with a non-domiciled CDL: this may lead to license suspension and the inability to operate legally.

  
  

• Serious traffic violations: speeding, reckless driving, or major infractions directly affect both the driver’s and the company’s safety record.

  
  

Complying with DOT obligations not only keeps you in compliance with the law, but also protects your company, your license, your drivers, and your future. Prevention, continuous oversight, and proper guidance are key to avoiding costly mistakes.

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