Return to Duty Process

Once a driver with a verified DOT program violation is prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions, the employer provides the driver with a list of DOT-qualified SAPs. The driver selects their SAP from this list or based on their research. An SAP request must be sent to the SAP evaluator to complete step one.

Once a driver makes contact with a DOT-qualified SAP and agrees to participate in their program, their request is accepted, and their SAP has officially been designated. Your designated SAP should support you through the process.

The next step requires the driver to meet with their SAP provider for a face-to-face clinical SAP evaluation. Once the assessment is complete, the SAP will update and complete

Your SAP will make recommendations to you for treatment and education. You must comply with the treatment(s) and educational requests given to you to receive a Return to Duty Letter and become eligible for RTD testing.

You will then be sent for an RTD test by your current or prospective employer. Once the driver can produce a negative RTD test result, they are no longer prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions.

Once a driver has returned to work, any employer that employs this driver during the prescribed time will be responsible for completing the testing plan created by the SAP. This information will be kept in the Clearinghouse for five years after the violation date or until the successful completion of the follow-up testing plan.