NEW Information about the 11/18/24 Deadline... FMCSA RULE...
(Edited 03/01/25)
If your Federal drug violation happened prior to November 2024… and if your State Drivers License Agency has already downgraded, canceled or suspended your CDL license… because you didn’t get STEP 5 completed by the 11/18/2024 deadline…you would have already received an official letter from the FMCSA stating so... in the mail… they usually DO NOT call, text or email you.
If your Federal drug violation was more recent… after 11/18/2024… and if you’ve completed your SAP Program (STEPS 1-4) in a timely manner (typically within 60 days from your Federal drug violation)…and if you have NOT received any deadlines or notices… then that’s a good sign!
Once you complete your Federal RTD drug test (STEP 5)... your state licensing agency will automatically be notified from the FMCSA Clearinghouse. No other action is necessary... UNLESS you've waited too long and didn't meet the deadline and the State Downgraded your CDL!
If by chance the FMCSA downgraded, canceled or suspended your CDL license… then you will have to call your states’ main CDL branch… NOT just any local drivers licensing agency… but the MAIN branch-CDL headquarters and ask them to REVERSE your cancellation, downgrade or suspension and REINSTATE your CDL.
Don't assume that everything will be done automatically,
They will immediately take care of you and ask you to pay a fine. Every state is different… Most states will have you pay a fine to get reinstated around $75.
Most of the CDL main branches are located near the capitol of your state…
So for instance, the main CDL office in Florida is located in Tallahassee… Georgia is in Conyers… and California is in Sacramento.
Like I mentioned… if your drug violation is more recent and If you have not received any deadlines or notices from your state licensing agency, then everything should be just fine. You can always go online or in person to verify the status of your CDL license.
In order to be eligible to drive again (No Longer Prohibited)… and if needed… get your license reinstated… you ONLY NEED to complete STEP 5… you DO NOT need to complete STEP 6 yet!
HERE'S A SUMMARY OF STEP 6:
STEP 6 is the Follow-up Testing Plan… Maintenance Plan… which is designed by your SAP.
You CAN NOT start STEP 6 until you actually start driving a CDL truck again... and you are employed by a “DOT Regulated” company who is familiar with the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
*The exception to this rule is if you are an "Owner Operator" driving under your OWN AUTHORITY. In this case you can start the Follow-up Testing Plan immediately.
If you are unemployed… looking for a CDL job or you are doing a different type of job in the meantime (like UBER) until you find a CDL job… it is perfectly fine to POSTPONE your follow-up testing plan a.k.a. STEP 6 until you actually get a CDL job.
It doesn’t matter if it takes you 3 months or 6 months or 2 years to find that CDL job… you can postpone your STEP 6 until you actually start driving a CDL truck again... and employed by a DOT regulated company.
Once you get your CDL job… contact your SAP and they will send your follow-up testing plan to your new employer.
The SAP’s follow-up testing plan consists of a minimum of 6 observed drug tests… sometimes more.
These observed drug tests are spread out over a whole year or two and are managed similar to the normal random program…
Hopefully your new employer will manage your Clearinghouse and schedule and pay for all of your Follow-Up drug tests.
If they don't want to help you and make you pay for everything… or if they have no idea how to manage your follow up plan or they don’t have time or are confused… you are more than welcome to call me and I can call your company and get permission from them to manage your follow-up testing plan and schedule the drug tests for you.
Your employer and I would both contact your SAP and request your follow-up testing plan. I would keep your company informed if you fall out of compliance or if you FAIL a drug test etc,
The costs for the follow-up drug tests are $95 each and are all observed…
There are no other costs associated to hire me to manage your STEP 6 process.
If you want me to be in charge of managing your follow-up testing plan… we will need to contact your SAP and they will send your follow up plan to your company and myself.
I will also upload your final follow up drug test into the clearinghouse and complete step 6 for you…
Your violation stays inside the Clearinghouse for 5 years from the beginning of your violation or until you complete STEP 6… which ever is LATER or takes LONGER.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me anytime.
Here's What To Do Next... To Get Step 5 Complete and Get Reinstated!...
- Call/Text 24-7 / Any State / 678-925-1878... Dr. Kurt Meininger
- We will discuss your case and start the process...
- $145 due in advance... several options available to pay!