Table of Contents
If you’ve received a DOT violation as a truck driver, don’t panic—this isn’t the end of your career.
Though stressful when your livelihood depends on your CDL, most violations have clear resolution paths.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what happens after a DOT violation and the clear steps you can take to get back behind the wheel.
Key Takeaways
- A DOT violation means you’ve broken a safety or compliance rule set by the FMCSA—and it can seriously impact your ability to stay on the road.
- Consequences range from fines and CSA score hits to disqualification from driving.
- Most violations have clear steps for resolution, but it’s important to take action quickly.
- Drug and alcohol violations require a mandatory return-to-duty process with a DOT-qualified SAP.
What Is a DOT Violation?
A DOT violation happens when a driver or carrier breaks one of the safety rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)—the agency in charge of keeping commercial transportation safe.
These violations can come up during things like roadside inspections, audits, crash investigations, or regular compliance checks.
Truck drivers, owner-operators, and employers operating commercial motor vehicles are all subject to DOT regulations.
The rules cover a wide range of safety-sensitive areas, including drug and alcohol testing, hours of service (HOS) rules, vehicle maintenance, and driver qualification standards.
Some violations are more serious than others, but all of them mean you’re not meeting federal safety rules—and that can affect your job, your CDL, and your company’s record.
Knowing what these violations are and how to handle them is key to keeping your license and staying on the road.
DOT Violations: Types, Consequences & What to Do Next
DOT violations come in different forms, but they all have one thing in common: they can disrupt your ability to drive or operate a truck.
Some are more serious than others, but most can be fixed if you take the right steps quickly.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common DOT violations, what they mean, and what to do if you get one.
1. Drug & Alcohol Violations
If you fail a drug or alcohol test, refuse to take one, or try to cheat the process, you’re pulled from duty right away.
You can’t drive again until you complete a specific return-to-duty process.
Examples:
- Testing positive for drugs or alcohol
- Refusing a required DOT drug or alcohol test (random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty, or follow-up test)
- Tampering with or substituting a sample
- Failing to show up for a required DOT drug test
- Failing to follow DOT drug testing protocols
Consequences:
- Immediate removal from duty
- Mandatory reporting to the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
- Immediate suspension of your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- You can’t return to work until you complete the return-to-duty steps
What to do:
- Stop driving. You’re not allowed behind the wheel after a violation.
- Log in to the FMCSA Clearinghouse. You’ll need an account to move forward.
- Find a DOT-qualified SAP. A Substance Abuse Professional will guide your recovery plan.
- Follow the SAP’s plan. This may include drug and alcohol counseling, education, groups, or treatment.
- Pass a return-to-duty test. This test is under direct observation, and your employer must receive a verified negative result.
- Return to work. Your employer has the ultimate decision of whether to take you back, but you must complete follow-up testing, whether you return to your job or start a new driving position.
- Complete follow-up testing. You’ll take random tests for 1 to 5 years.
2. Hours of Service (HOS) Violations
These happen when you drive longer than the legal limit, skip rest breaks, or log your hours incorrectly. It’s one of the most common violations and a major safety issue.
Examples:
- Driving too many hours without rest
- Logging false hours
- Skipping off-duty breaks
- Exceeding maximum driving hours per week
Consequences:
- Fines and citations for you and your employer
- Lower CSA scores
- Possible out-of-service orders
- CDL suspension for repeated violations
What to do:
- Review your logs. Look for overages or missed breaks.
- Fix any errors. Correct inaccurate ELD or paper logs.
- Learn how to use your ELD properly. Make sure you’re logging everything the right way.
- Take a refresher on HOS rules. Know the latest requirements.
- Ask for internal log audits. Regular reviews can catch mistakes early.
3. CDL & Medical Certification Violations
You need a valid CDL and a current medical certificate to drive. If either is expired or missing, you’re not legally allowed to operate a commercial vehicle.
Examples:
- Driving with an expired or suspended CDL
- No current medical card on file
- Failing to meet DOT physical standards
- Failing to submit to DOT physicals
Consequences:
- CDL suspension or revocation
- Missed work or possible job loss
- Fines for the employer
What to do:
- Check your license and medical card status. Contact your state licensing agency if needed.
- Schedule a DOT physical. Use a certified medical examiner.
- Pass the physical. Make sure you meet FMCSA health standards.
- Submit your updated medical card. Don’t wait—file it with the state right away.
- Renew or reinstate your CDL. Follow your state’s steps and pay any required fees.
4. Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection Violations
DOT expects your vehicle to be safe and in working condition. If it’s not, you could be pulled off the road immediately.
Examples:
- Faulty brakes
- Worn or unsafe tires
- Broken lights or signals
- Expired inspection stickers
Consequences:
- Vehicle placed out of service
- Fines and penalties
- Lower CSA scores and more inspections
What to do:
- Take the truck off the road. Don’t drive until the problem is fixed.
- Make repairs right away. Use a certified mechanic.
- Get reinspected. Make sure your vehicle passes before returning to service.
- Keep your repair records. Save everything—receipts, logs, reports.
- Do daily inspections. Catch problems before they become violations.
5. Employer Compliance Violations
Carriers are responsible for making sure their hiring, testing, and recordkeeping processes follow DOT rules. Sloppy paperwork or unqualified drivers can bring major penalties.
Examples:
- Skipping required drug and alcohol testing
- Hiring unqualified drivers
- Missing or incomplete driver files
Consequences:
- Large fines
- FMCSA audits and reviews
- Risk of being shut down
What to do:
- Review your compliance process. Make sure you’re meeting all FMCSA requirements.
- Audit your records. Check for expired documents or missing files.
- Update employee records. Keep everything organized and easy to access.
- Stay on top of drug testing. Use a third-party administrator (TPA) if needed to manage your program.
- Train your staff. Everyone should know what’s expected under DOT rules.
6. Transporting Hazardous Materials Violations
Hauling hazardous materials (HAZMAT) comes with strict safety rules. If anything is done incorrectly—whether it’s paperwork, labeling, or cargo handling—you could face huge fines and liability.
Examples:
- Missing or incorrect shipping papers
- Improper vehicle placards or markings
- Unsecured or poorly loaded cargo
- Drivers lacking HAZMAT endorsements
- No written security plan
Consequences:
- Fines up to $46,989 per violation
- Legal trouble if there’s an incident
- Loss of operating authority
What to do:
- Make sure HAZMAT drivers have the proper endorsements on their CDLs. Only trained drivers can transport these materials.
- Double-check your paperwork. Documents and placards must be 100% accurate.
- Secure all loads properly. Follow HAZMAT handling and loading rules.
- Update your security plan. Keep it current and make sure your team knows what to do in an emergency.
7. Unsatisfactory DOT Audit
A failed audit means the FMCSA found serious compliance issues in your operation. It’s a warning sign—and a chance to make changes before bigger problems follow.
Examples:
- Poor safety records or missing files
- Expired medical cards or licenses
- No working drug/alcohol testing program
Consequences:
- Conditional or unsatisfactory safety rating
- More frequent audits and inspections
- Potential loss of operating authority
What to do:
- Review your operation. Find out what went wrong.
- Fix the problems fast. Update records, schedule tests, and close compliance gaps.
- Submit a corrective action plan. Show how you’re getting back on track.
- Train your team. Make sure everyone knows how to stay compliant moving forward.
Have a DOT Violation? Let American River Wellness Get You Back on the Road
A DOT violation can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to derail your career.
Whether you’re dealing with a drug or alcohol violation, there are clear steps you can take to get things back on track.
The key is to act quickly, follow the proper procedures, and stay informed about FMCSA regulations.
At American River Wellness, we’re here to support you through the process. Our team offers affordable SAP evaluations to help you return to work as quickly and smoothly as possible.
To learn more about our services and how we can help, call us today: (833) 436-8727.
DISCLAIMER: This information is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It should not be interpreted as legal counsel or guidance.
FAQ
Stay current on FMCSA regulations, log hours accurately, complete regular vehicle inspections, and maintain medical and license documentation. Employers should conduct regular training and audits.
Yes. If you believe a violation is incorrect, you can challenge it through DataQs, the FMCSA’s official dispute system.
Yes. Violations may be reflected in your PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program) and CSA score.
Most violations stay on your record for three years, but severe violations (like drug/alcohol offenses) may have longer-lasting effects.
If you’re a CDL driver and fail a DOT drug or alcohol test, the violation will be recorded in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
It stays on file for five years or until you complete the Return-to-Duty (RTD) process—whichever comes first.
During that time, prospective employers will be able to see the violation and are prohibited from hiring you for safety-sensitive roles until you’ve successfully completed the RTD requirements.
Failing a DOT drug test a second time can lead to even more serious consequences and may make it much harder to return to driving.
Yes. Violations in safety categories like HOS, vehicle maintenance, or controlled substances can lower your CSA score and flag you for future audits or inspections.
About the Author
