Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs: Addition of Fentanyl to the Department of Transportation's Drug-Testing Panel; Harmonization with Certain Items in the HHS Mandatory Guidelines for Urine and Oral Fluid; and Technical Amendments
Summary
The Department of Transportation is proposing to add fentanyl to the drug tests that transportation workers must take, recognizing the growing danger of this powerful opioid in the workplace. The rule also updates testing procedures to match guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services and makes technical corrections to existing regulations.
Key Points
- 1Fentanyl will be added to the list of drugs that DOT tests for in transportation workers, including pilots, truck drivers, and transit operators
- 2The change reflects the serious public health threat of fentanyl, which is much more potent than other opioids and has caused thousands of overdose deaths
- 3Testing procedures will be updated to align with federal health guidelines for both urine and oral fluid testing methods
- 4The regulation affects safety-sensitive transportation workers across airlines, railroads, trucking, and public transit systems
- 5Public comment period ends October 18, 2025, after which DOT will review feedback before finalizing the rule
Key Dates
September 2, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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