DOT SAP Program in Colorado: What Truck Drivers Need to Know (2025)

If you’re a CDL driver in Colorado and fail or refuse a DOT drug or alcohol test, you’ll be taken off the road immediately and can’t return until you complete the return-to-duty process.

That starts with an evaluation by a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

At American River Wellness, we help drivers across Colorado, from Denver to Aurora and beyond, complete the DOT SAP program quickly.

This guide explains each step and what you need to do to get back on the road.

What is a DOT SAP Evaluation?

A DOT SAP evaluation is a required step for any safety-sensitive employee who violates federal drug or alcohol regulations under the U.S. Department of Transportation.

This assessment is done by a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional who will:

• Review the details of your violation
• Evaluate your history of substance use
• Create a tailored education or treatment plan
• Monitor your progress
• Approve your return-to-duty and follow-up testing once everything is completed

Your plan may involve:

• Drug or alcohol education courses
• Counseling or therapy sessions
• Support group meetings (like AA or NA)
• Inpatient or residential treatment if needed
• A return-to-duty test
• Scheduled follow-up testing

The purpose is to ensure you’re sober, responsible, and safe to return to commercial driving.

Who Needs to Complete the SAP Program in Colorado?

Any DOT-regulated employee in a safety-sensitive role who violates federal drug or alcohol rules must complete the SAP process before returning to duty.

In Colorado, this applies to:

• Commercial drivers with a valid CDL
• Drivers transporting hazardous materials (HAZMAT)
• Bus drivers carrying 16+ passengers
• Full-time and part-time CDL drivers
• CDL drivers employed by local, state, or federal agencies

Colorado CDL holders are subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing in cases like:

• Pre-employment screenings
• Random testing on the job
• Post-accident testing after certain incidents
• Testing based on reasonable suspicion of use

Failing or refusing any of these tests starts the return-to-duty process and is reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.

DOT Return-to-Duty Process in Colorado

If you fail or refuse a DOT drug or alcohol test in Colorado, here’s what the return-to-duty process looks like:

1. Immediate Removal from Duty

DOT rules require your employer to pull you from all safety-sensitive work right away. There’s no grace period or exceptions.

2. Referral to a DOT-Qualified SAP

You’ll receive a list of DOT-approved Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs).

Only those with DOT credentials can handle your evaluation – general therapists aren’t valid.

3. Initial SAP Evaluation

You’ll meet with your chosen SAP, either in person or online. During the session, they will:

• Go over your substance use and work history
• Review the details of your violation
• Build a personalized plan for treatment or education

4. Complete the Recommended Program

You’ll need to follow every part of SAP’s plan.

This might involve:

• Drug or alcohol education classes
• Weekly or biweekly counseling
• Attending AA, NA, or other support groups
• Inpatient or residential treatment if needed

Your SAP will track your progress and confirm when you’ve met all requirements.

5. Follow-Up Evaluation

Once your program is done, you’ll meet with your SAP again.

If everything checks out, they’ll prepare a report stating you’re ready for return-to-duty testing.

6. Return-to-Duty Test

You must pass a directly observed DOT drug or alcohol test.

A negative result is required, and if alcohol was involved, your BAC must be below 0.02%.

7. Employer Review & Reinstatement

Your employer will review the SAP report and test results.

Even after completing the process, they’re not required to take you back.

8. Follow-Up Testing

If you’re reinstated or hired by another DOT-regulated company, you’ll have to follow your SAP’s testing plan. 

This typically includes:

• At least six random, unannounced tests in the first year
• Periodic testing for up to five years
• Full compliance with all scheduled tests

9. Ongoing Monitoring

Your employer is responsible for ensuring you stick to the plan.

If you fail or refuse another test, you’ll be removed from duty again and must restart the SAP process.

Important Laws & Regulations

Federal Regulations

Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act (MCSIA) of 1999

This act established the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to oversee safety for CDL drivers and employers, whether violations happen in a commercial or personal vehicle.

Major offenses include:

• DUI (alcohol or drugs)
• Illegal drug possession or use
• Refusing a required test
• Other violations that lead to license suspension

Penalties:

• First offense: 1-year CDL suspension
• Second offense: Lifetime disqualification (possible reinstatement after 10 years)
• Felonies involving drugs: Permanent disqualification

FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Testing Rules

Under 49 CFR Part 382 § 382.103, CDL drivers must be tested for drugs and alcohol during:

• Pre-employment
• Random selection
• Post-accident
• Reasonable suspicion
• Return-to-duty and follow-up

FMCSA Clearinghouse & CDL Suspension

Per the 2021 final rule and 2023 DOT guidance:

• Failing or refusing a test, or being flagged as “prohibited” in the Clearinghouse, triggers immediate CDL suspension.
• You can’t return to duty until the full SAP process is completed.
• Violations stay in the Clearinghouse for up to five years or until SAP requirements are met.

Employer Reporting

Employers must report all violations through Login.gov, under 49 CFR Part 382 § 382.705.

These reports are visible to all DOT-regulated employers.

When a SAP Evaluation is Required

Per 49 CFR Part 40 § 40.285, a SAP evaluation is mandatory if you:

• Fail a DOT drug test
• Test 0.04% BAC or higher while operating a CMV
• Refuse or fail to take a test
• Tamper with or substitute a sample
• Violate any DOT drug/alcohol policy

Final Step Before Returning to Duty

According to 49 CFR Part 40 § 40.305, you may only return to duty if you:

• Pass a DOT drug or alcohol test
• Finish all SAP-mandated treatment or education
• Have a BAC under 0.02% in alcohol-related cases

Even then, it’s up to your employer whether to reinstate you.

Colorado State Laws

Lower BAC Limit for CDL Drivers

Under Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 42-2-126(2)(c), the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%.

For commercial drivers who are under the age of 21, the blood alcohol concentration limit in Colorado is 0.02% per § 42-2-126(2)(d).

These limits are significantly lower than the 0.08% limit for non-commercial drivers found in C.R.S. § 42-4-1301(2)(a).

Under C.R.S. § 41-4-1301(1)(a), you can still be charged with a DUI when you drive with a BAC under 0.04% if the amount of alcohol consumed impairs your ability to drive to the slightest degree.

Disqualification for DUI & Major Offenses

Colorado has adopted the federal disqualification rules found in 49 CFR Part 383, § 383.51.

CDL holders in Colorado face disqualification for serious violations, whether committed in a commercial or personal vehicle.

Major disqualifying offenses include:

• Driving with a BAC of 0.04% or more
• DUI or DWAI involving drugs in any vehicle
• Refusing a chemical test
• DUI or DWAI in any vehicle
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Using any vehicle in the commission of a felony
• Driving a CMV while the driver is disqualified or while their CDL is suspended, revoked, or canceled
• Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a CMV

The CDL penalties for these offenses include:

• First offense: 1-year CDL disqualification (3 years if transporting hazardous materials)
• Second offense: Lifetime disqualification (possible reinstatement after 10 years)
• Certain felonies (e.g., human trafficking or drug trafficking) result in a permanent ban for a first offense

Additionally, under C.R.S. § 42-2-409(3)(a), a person who fraudulently obtains a CDL or uses a CDL that belongs to someone else will have their ability to get a CDL permanently revoked in Colorado.

Serious Traffic Violations

According to Table 2 to 49 CFR Part 383, § 383.51, CDL drivers may face suspension for serious traffic violations even if drugs or alcohol are not involved.

These include:

• Speeding 15+ mph over the posted limit
• Reckless driving
• Improper lane changes
• Violating state or local laws regarding traffic control arising from a fatal accident
• Following too closely
• Operating a CMV without a CDL in the driver’s possession
• Driving a CMV without the proper endorsements
• Driving a CMV when the person doesn’t have a commercial driver’s license
• Using a handheld device or texting while driving a CMV

The CDL penalties for these offenses include:

• Two serious violations in 3 years: 60-day disqualification
• Three or more violations in three years: 120-day disqualification

Out-of-Service Order Violations

Per C.R.S. § 42-2-405.5(3) and 49 CFR § 383.51, violating an out-of-service order has serious consequences in Colorado and requires the hearing officer to assess the maximum penalty allowed under federal law as follows:

• First offense: 1-year disqualification
• Second offense within 10 years: 5 years
• Third offense within 10 years: 5 years
• If transporting HAZMAT or passengers: penalties may be longer

Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Violations

As outlined in C.R.S. § 42-4-707 and 49 CFR § 383.51, CDL drivers can face disqualification for railroad crossing violations, such as:

• Failing to stop when required
• Not checking for oncoming trains
• Ignoring signals or law enforcement

Disqualification periods:

• First offense: 60 days
• Second (within 3 years): 120 days
• Third: 1 year

Choosing the Right SAP Program in Colorado

Picking the right SAP provider is a key step in getting back to work after a DOT violation.

Here’s what to consider:

1. Fast, Virtual Appointments

At American River Wellness, we offer same- or next-day virtual SAP evaluations throughout Colorado, so you can start the process without delay.

2. Clear Communication

We keep you and your employer in the loop from start to finish – no surprises, no confusion.

3. Transparent Pricing

Evaluations start at $450, with flexible payment plans as low as $112 using Afterpay.

No hidden fees – just clear, upfront pricing.

4. Support at Every Step

We guide you through each part of the process, from evaluation to final clearance, and help connect you with education, treatment, or support resources if needed.

5. Qualified, DOT-Compliant Evaluators

Our team includes professionals with the following credentials:

• Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP)
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
• Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC)
• Intervention Specialist (IS)
• DOT Qualified Substance Abuse Professional (DOT SAP)

These qualifications ensure your evaluation fully meets federal DOT standards.

6. Continued Help After Completion

We keep your records for five years and assist with paperwork or employer coordination down the road if needed.

Whether it’s a future job or follow-up testing, we’ve got your back.

Get Back on the Road with American River Wellness

A DOT drug or alcohol violation doesn’t have to derail your career, but you must complete the SAP process before you’re allowed to drive again.

At American River Wellness, we make it easy with fast virtual evaluations, knowledgeable DOT-qualified professionals, and support every step of the way.

Call us today at (833) 436-8727 to schedule your SAP evaluation and take the first step back to work.

DISCLAIMER: This information is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It should not be interpreted as legal counsel or guidance.

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