FMCSA Updates SMS Website

FMCSA has updated the SMS Website with the November 26, 2021 results. Complete SMS results are available to enforcement users and motor carriers that are logged into the SMS Website.

Clearinghouse Rule II – Employer Requirements Have Not Changed

On November 8, 2021, the second Clearinghouse final rule, Controlled Substances and Alcohol Testing: State Driver’s Licensing Agency Non-Issuance/Downgrade of Commercial Driver’s License; Correction, went into effect. While this rule addresses how States are required to use the information in the Clearinghouse, it does not change any of the requirements for employers to query Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit holders and report drug and alcohol program violations. All requirements established by the first Clearinghouse rule, remain in place. Download the brochures below to learn more about these requirements. 

• Employer brochure 
• Owner-operator brochure 

Have you completed your annual queries?

In addition to conducting pre-employment queries, employers are required to query each CDL holder they employ at least once a year. The annual query is tracked on a rolling 12-month basis. This means if you conducted your last annual queries in December 2020, it is time to conduct your next round of annual queries. Log in to the Clearinghouse and visit your Query History page to see if your annual queries are due. For instructions on conducting annual queries, download the How to Conduct a Limited Query job aid.