Safety-Sensitive Function

Any duty designated by DOT regulations where impairment could endanger the employee, co-workers, or the public, requiring drug and alcohol testing compliance.

Key Facts

  • Any on-duty function described in 49 CFR 382.107
  • Includes driving, vehicle inspection, loading/attending, and waiting
  • Employee must be drug/alcohol-free while performing
  • Positive test = immediate removal from safety-sensitive duties
  • Applies to CDL holders and other DOT-regulated employees

Under 49 CFR Part 382.107, a safety-sensitive function includes all time from the moment a driver begins work or is required to be in readiness to work until the time they are relieved from work. This encompasses: driving a CMV, inspecting or servicing the vehicle, being in attendance on the vehicle, loading or unloading, performing repairs, waiting at a facility, and all time spent at a carrier or shipper plant. Employees in safety-sensitive functions must be tested under DOT drug and alcohol testing programs and are prohibited from using alcohol within 4 hours of performing safety-sensitive duties or reporting for duty with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater.

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