Do DOT Violations Go On Your Record?

Do DOT violations go on your record? It’s a common question for new truck drivers to ask because the last thing anyone wants is to delay deliveries or lose business due to a DOT violation.

You want to do everything you can to stay in good standing with the DOT and the FMCSA. So, if you’re unsure about the rules, Federal Motor Carrier Authority Online Filings’ trucking company compliance checklist could help you stay proactive.

This post covers a few common DOT violations to be aware of if you want to avoid issues and what happens if you find yourself on the wrong side of the motor carrier laws.

Exceeding Hours of Service

The FMCSA regulates acceptable service hours to keep drivers from working to the point of fatigue. After all, an alert commercial driver is far less likely to get into an accident with other drivers on the road. 

The allowed number of hours depends on whether a driver is transporting cargo or passengers. 

• A driver can only operate a commercial vehicle for 11 hours if they’re carrying cargo. 
• If they’re carrying passengers, they can only operate for 10 hours.

Failing a Drug Test

If a commercial driver fails a drug test at any point, or if they refuse to take a drug test, they will have to postpone operations for a certain amount of time. The driver may also have to work with a substance abuse professional, undergoing a return-to-duty process before re-entering their driving role for the trucking company.

The Return-To-Duty Process

Do DOT violations go on your record? They do—for at least 5 years, or indefinitely. So, to avoid penalties and get back on the road, drivers who fail a drug test must go through the following steps for the return-to-duty process:

Medical Consultation 

A substance abuse professional must work with the driver on a treatment plan. The driver will undergo a comprehensive medical examination. The physician will send the trucking company an overview of the recovery plan, including steps the driver must complete before they can safely resume driving. 

Recovery Plan

The physician will monitor the driver during each step of their recovery plan. At the end of treatment, the physician will reevaluate the driver. If they determine the driver has successfully completed each step in the treatment plan, they will communicate with the trucking company. 

Return-To-Duty Drug Testing

Once the physician lets the trucking company know the driver has completed treatment, the employee can set up another round of drug or alcohol testing. As long as the driver tests negative for all substances, they can safely return to work.

Failing a DOT Inspection

If a truck does not meet all criteria during a DOT inspection, the driver must make all necessary repairs within a designated time frame. If the vehicle has serious violations, it may end up being placed out of service indefinitely. 

Some areas that could cause a truck to fail a DOT inspection include the following: 

• Insufficient brake system
• Damaged tires
• Malfunctioning turn signals, headlights, or brake lights
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Damaged windshield

A well-maintained commercial vehicle ensures you get your cargo safely from one place to another. More importantly, it ensures your vehicle is not a danger to other drivers on the road. Maintaining all areas of a commercial vehicle also makes avoiding DOT violations easier.

Reckless Driving

There are many reckless driving violations that could occur when driving a commercial motor vehicle. For example, if a driver does any of the following things on the road, they could find themselves facing a DOT violation: 

• Following too closely behind another vehicle
• Improper lane changes
• Speeding 
• Neglecting to use a seatbelt
• Texting while driving
• Transporting an unauthorized passenger inside the vehicle 

What Happens When You Receive a DOT Violation?

The consequences of a DOT violation depend on the severity of the infraction. Failing a drug or alcohol test requires a driver to stop driving immediately and complete treatment before returning to work. Other violations may only result in a fine from the United States Department of Transportation or a warning letter stating that they have knowledge of your violation.

If a driver violates Hours of Service regulations, the employer may owe fines, and the driver could get placed out of service. Repeated violations could cost a driver their license.

Avoid Fines; Stay in Compliance With DOT Regulations

Do DOT violations go on your record? They can go on your record for a finite amount of time or permanently, depending on the severity. If you’re still wondering, “What does DOT compliance mean?” you might want to chat with an expert to prevent incurring hefty fines after you head out onto the road.

It’s imperative to comply with state and federal regulations. Federal Motor Carrier Authority Online Filings can tell you more. Contact a live agent in the chat during normal business hours or use the convenient contact form online.