Important update straight from FMCSA.gov that every driver needs to know:
Major Rule Change (Effective Nov 18, 2024)
Your Clearinghouse status now directly affects your CDL.
From FMCSA’s official announcement:
“As of November 18, 2024, having a ‘prohibited’ Clearinghouse status will result in losing or being denied a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or commercial learner’s permit (CLP).”
This means:
- States WILL downgrade your CDL if you have unresolved violations
- You cannot get a new CDL/CLP with prohibited status
- You MUST complete return-to-duty (RTD) process to become eligible again
Clearinghouse Query Requirements
Per FMCSA regulations:
Employers must query:
- Pre-employment (before first safety-sensitive function)
- Annually for all current CDL drivers
- When driver transfers to another employer
CBD Reminder from FMCSA
From the official Clearinghouse CBD notice:
“CBD use is NOT a legitimate medical explanation for a laboratory-confirmed marijuana positive result.”
81% of all Clearinghouse violations are positive drug tests - and over half are marijuana.
Check your Clearinghouse status: clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov
Questions about staying compliant? Vertical Identity handles Clearinghouse queries and DOT compliance.