The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires employers in safety-sensitive industries to conduct random drug and alcohol testing. Each DOT agency sets minimum annual testing rates that employers must follow to remain compliant.
The chart below outlines the 2026 DOT random drug and alcohol testing rates by agency.
| DOT Agency | Drug Testing Rate | Alcohol Testing Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) | 50% | 10% | Random rates unchanged for 2026. Last updated in 2020. No Federal Register notice required. |
| Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) | 25% | 10% | Published in the 2026 Federal Register Notice. |
| Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) – Covered Service | 25% | 10% | Published in the 2026 Federal Register Notice. |
| Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) – Maintenance of Way | 25% | 10% | Published in the 2026 Federal Register Notice. |
| Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) – Mechanical | 50% | 10% | Published in the 2026 Federal Register Notice. |
| Federal Transit Administration (FTA) | 50% | 10% | Published in the 2026 Federal Register Notice. |
| Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) | 50% | N/A | Random alcohol testing is not required. |
NOTE: Employers (and C/TPAs) subject to more than one DOT Agency drug and alcohol testing rule may continue to combine covered employees into a single random selection pool.
USCG covered employees may be combined with DOT covered employees in drug testing pools even though the USCG is now part of the Department of Homeland Security.
Last updated: Thursday, January 15, 2026
