Understanding DOT and related agency regulations can be daunting. Foley's drug and alcohol programs stay on top of it for you.
Establishing Random Testing Rates
Each agency within the DOT sets standards for testing rates. These rates can fluctuate over time, and the most current standards can be found on the DOT website. As of January 2026:
DOT Agency |
2026 Random Drug Testing Rate |
2026 Random Alcohol Testing Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration The random rates did not change for 2026. Because the random rates did not change, FMCSA is not required to publish a notice in the Federal Register. The rate last changed in 2020. |
50% | 10% |
|
Federal Aviation Administration |
25% | 10% |
|
Federal Railroad Administration |
25% - Covered Service | 10% - Covered Service |
| 25% - Maintenance of Way | 10% - Maintenance of Way | |
| 50% - Mechanical | 10% - Mechanical | |
|
Federal Transit Administration |
50% | 10% |
|
Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration |
50% | N/A |
Translation: As an FMCSA-regulated company with 100 CDL FMCSA safety-sensitive employees, you would be expected to randomly drug test 50 CDL FMCSA employees and random alcohol test 10 CDL FMCSA during the calendar year.
Selecting Employees
Employees should be selected using a scientifically random method that gives each an equal chance of being selected. Options include random number tables or software-based random number generators traceable to a specific employee.
Selecting numbers from a hat, rolling dice, picking cards, throwing darts, or similar methods do not meet the standards for random selection.
Frequency and Timing of Selections
Your random selections should occur at least quarterly, though more frequent selections are a good idea.
The timing of when you notify employees of a random selection should be unpredictable; for example, don't consistently inform them on the first Monday of the quarter at the beginning of the day.
Maintaining Documentation
While not required by law, it's best practice to maintain documentation of your entire random selection process. How many were selected and when, who was selected on what dates, when were their specimens collected, and which had valid excuses are questions you should be able to answer.
Additional FAQs on DOT random drug and alcohol testing can be found on the DOT website.
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