Post Accident Testing Instructions

DOT Requires Post-Accident Drug and Alcohol Testing for Drivers involved in Qualifying Accidents under FMCSA Regulations 49 CFR Part 382.303.

Post-Accident Testing Process

Accident Occurs → Determine DOT Criteria → Order Tests → Alcohol (≤8 hrs) → Drug (≤32 hrs) → Completed

Testing is Required when:

• Fatality: If the Accident Results in a Fatality, Testing is Required for the Driver, even if No Citation was issued
• Injury with Citation: If the Accident caused a Bodily Injury Requiring Immediate Medical Treatment away from the scene and the Driver received a Citation for a Moving Violation Testing is Required
• Disabling Vehicle With Citation: If Any Vehicle is Towed from the Scene due to Disabling Damage and the Driver received a Citation for a Moving Violation Testing is Required

Testing is Not Required when:

• If there was no Fatality and the Driver did not receive a Citation under the above Conditions Testing is not Required under DOT Rules
• If the Accident involves a Private Vehicle or a Non-Commercial Motor Vehicle DOT Rules do not Apply

Testing Timeframes

• Alcohol Test: Must be conducted within 2 Hours of the Accident.  If not Possible the Reason must be Documented and Attempts must continue up to 8 Hours
• Drug Test: Must be conducted within 32 Hours of the Accident.  If not Possible the Reason must be Documented

Testing Instructions

Drug Testing Instructions - View Instructions

• Order drug tests online (QPassports) through your Express Labs account
• Or use the paper Quest forms provided by Express Labs
• Express Labs does not accept drug test results from other companies or consortiums
• Your company name and Express Labs must be listed on the drug test result

Alcohol Testing Instructions - View Instructions

• Order breath alcohol tests online (QPassports) through your Express Labs account
• Or choose any site, pay for the test, and send Express Labs the results

Express Labs FMCSA Random Drug & Alcohol Consortium
Post Accident | Updated 2026