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FMCSA Bars Schedule I Drugs - 2/3/2012
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has amended the physical qualifications for drivers and the instructions for the medical examination report to clarify that drivers may not use Schedule I drugs and be qualified to drive commercial motor vehicles under any circumstances. 77 Federal Register 4479 (January 30, 2012). The rule harmonizes FMCSA’s provisions regarding pre-employment and return-to-duty test refusals with corresponding Department of Transportation provisions. There was apparently some ambiguity in the old regulations that led some drivers and carriers to believe that a driver could be prescribed a Schedule I drug and still be considered qualified to drive under 49 CFR Part 391. This change clarifies that a driver may not use any Schedule I drug and remain qualified to drive. The change becomes effective February 29, 2012.
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