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.

Testing Required:

• 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 Not Required:

• 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

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

Ordering Drug & Alcohol Tests

Drug Testing

Once enrolled, only DOT drug tests ordered through Express Labs are accepted.  If online ordering is unavailable, use the Quest Paper Forms provided by Express Labs.

• Drug Testing – View Instructions

Alcohol Testing

Order breath alcohol tests through your Express Labs account using QPassports.  If you cannot order online, use any site, pay for the test, and send the results to Express Labs.

• Alcohol Testing – View Instructions

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