Reasonable Suspicion Test

Definition

A reasonable-suspicion test is a controlled-substance or alcohol test administered when a trained supervisor observes specific articulable behavior or appearance suggesting drug or alcohol use, under 49 CFR §382.307. The supervisor must have completed two hours of training on the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol use (one hour each topic). Observations must be documented in writing within 24 hours. The driver must report immediately to the collection site. A reasonable-suspicion test that comes back positive moves the driver into Clearinghouse "prohibited" status the same way a random or pre-employment positive does. Carriers without a documented supervisor-training program cannot lawfully order a reasonable-suspicion test.