Department of Transportation (DOT)

Guidelines for departments who employ university drivers.

Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements apply to any person who, in the course of university employment, operates a vehicle that meets one of these criteria:

  1. gross combination weight rating (including towed units if they have a rating of more than 10,000 pounds) or gross weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds, OR
  2. designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver.

The DOT regulations are designed to protect the public by requiring employers to test transportation employees for the use of alcohol and drugs.

Department Responsibilities:

  • Identifies the position requiring DOT based on specific job classifications and criteria noted in policy. Statement appears under "Work Environment" section of the position description: “Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Drug & Alcohol Testing Program and will also be placed on the random testing pool list for drug and alcohol testing following employment.”
  • Most positions with DOT requirements also require participation in the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System, which notifies the university when driver-employees are convicted of motor vehicle violations and when action is taken against a driver's license or special certificate. Please check with your Employment Consultant/Recruiter. If required, the following statement will be included in the position description under “work environment” prior to Compensation/HR review of the position description: "This position is subject to the California Department of Motor Vehicles Pull Notice System." 
  • Upon selection, department schedules individual for DOT testing with Employee Health prior to initial start date.
  • If DOT is successfully completed, the department consults as appropriate with the department's Employment Consultant/Recruiter in HR.

Employment Consultant/Recruiter Responsibilities:

  • Reviews DOT requirements and posting statement for appropriateness of position requirements.
  • Ensure that the name of the person who left the position is on the list of DOT appointments.

References: