US Drug Check Blog
Blog
Research-backed articles on FMCSA Clearinghouse rules, DOT drug testing, and employer compliance workflows.
What you will find here
- Primary-source regulatory updates from FMCSA and DOT
- Plain-English explanations for employers, DERs, and drivers
- Operational takeaways your team can actually use
Regulatory Update
Clearinghouse II Is Here: What CDL Downgrades Mean for Employers and Drivers in 2026
Since November 18, 2024, FMCSA's Clearinghouse II rule has allowed states to downgrade commercial driving privileges based on prohibited status. Here is what employers, DERs, and drivers need to do now.
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6 min read
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Doug Engle
- Clearinghouse II allows states to downgrade CDL and CLP privileges for drivers in prohibited status.
- Employers still need timely pre-employment and annual Clearinghouse queries.
- FMCSA change notifications should trigger a full query within 24 hours.
- Return-to-duty requires SAP clearance and a follow-up testing plan.