A free, three-day conference in St. Louis this spring presented by the FTA aims to increase knowledge of drug and alcohol program regulations for commercial drivers.

All commercial drivers including school bus drivers that operate vehicles with GVWRs of 26,001 pounds or more must adhere to 49 CFR Part 40, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs for employers and employees, one of the points of emphasis during the upcoming FTA conference. The U.S. DOT also enforces 49 CFR Part 382 for school bus drivers.

All CDL holders must submit to alcohol tests after any and all crashes, upon reasonable suspicion by an employer, randomly, and upon return to duty or as a follow-up to returning to duty. Drug tests are performed upon hire and at random.

Most commercial drivers who test positive cannot return to safety-sensitive duties until they have been evaluated by a substance abuse professional and complied with any treatment recommendations to assist them with an alcohol or drug problem. School bus drivers can face additional penalties, which can include out-right dismissal from job duties and revocation of the CDL, after a positive drug or alcohol test or refusal to submit to a test. School bus drivers are also subject to pre-employment screenings and random tests throughout their employment.

The sixth-annual FMCSA conference is scheduled for April 5-7 in St. Louis.

FTA said the conference will consist of a number of concurrent sessions and various networking opportunities. Scheduled speakers include: representatives from the FTA and the Office of the Secretary’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC); FTA auditors; FTA Drug and Alcohol MIS program and newsletter staff; the Transportation Safety Institute (TSI); FMCSA and professionals from the DOT Drug and Alcohol testing industry, including a medical review officer (MRO); substance abuse professionals; urine collectors and breath alcohol technicians (BAT); and a third-party administrator.