Last reviewed Oct 26, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
After a crash, testing is time sensitive. Knowing the rules ahead of time keeps a bad day from getting worse.
When DOT rules call for a test
For CDL drivers, a post-accident test is required after certain crashes. In general, these involve:
- A death, or
- A citation for the driver plus an injury treated away from the scene or a vehicle towed from the scene.
Not every fender-bender triggers a test. Check the rule for your situation.
The clock is running
DOT post-accident tests have strict time limits. The alcohol test has the shortest window, measured in hours. The drug test has a longer window, but still only a day or so. If a test can’t be done in time, the employer must document why.
Drivers should also avoid alcohol after an accident until they are tested.
Non-DOT post-accident tests
Many employers test after workplace accidents under their own policy, such as after an injury on a job site. Your policy should say when you test and who decides.
Have a plan
- Keep our number in every truck and with every supervisor.
- Decide who on your team makes the call to test.
- Ask about mobile collections if your driver can’t leave the scene area.
Call us right away after an incident. We will tell you what to do next.