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Employer Compliance and Drug Testing Group

Hair testing and DOT, what we know

Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026. General information, not legal advice.

Many employers like hair testing because it can show drug use over a longer period than a urine test. Carriers often ask whether they can use it for DOT tests. Here is where things stand.

Hair testing for DOT: still check before you rely on it

Federal rules on hair testing for DOT-required tests have been changing. Until the rules are final and in effect, keep using urine tests for any DOT-required test. We will update this page when the official rules are confirmed.

If you want to know the current status, check the DOT Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance.

How employers use hair tests today

Many employers add a hair test on top of the required DOT urine test, under their own company policy. This is common for:

What the hair test is like

The collector cuts a small sample of hair close to the scalp. It does not hurt. If head hair is too short, body hair may be used.

Get a hair test

Our hair testing is $129 for a 5-panel (Estimate, confirmed at booking; last updated Oct 27, 2026).

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