Post-Accident Test

Definition

A post-accident test is the FMCSA-mandated controlled-substance and alcohol test required after a CMV accident meeting the §382.303 thresholds - a fatality, an injury requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene, or a tow-away of any vehicle from the scene combined with a citation issued to the CMV driver. The alcohol test must be administered within 8 hours; the controlled-substance test within 32 hours. A driver who refuses or cannot be tested within those windows is treated as a positive (refusal to test) and reported to the Clearinghouse. Carriers must document why the test could not be performed if the windows are exceeded.