What Are the Five DOT Drugs? Understanding the Mandated Panel for Safety-Sensitive Roles

October 8, 2025 •

2 min read

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates drug testing for millions of safety-sensitive employees, and since January 2018, its standard has included specific opioids, updating the traditional five-panel list. Understanding what are the five DOT drugs is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure compliance and public safety.

Quick Summary

The five drug classes required for federal Department of Transportation (DOT) testing are marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). These screenings are a critical safety measure for regulated employees within the transportation industry.

Key Points

Five Drug Classes: The five drug classes tested by the DOT are marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP).
Opioid Panel Expansion: As of 2018, the opioid category was expanded to include semi-synthetic opioids like hydrocodone and oxycodone.
Mandatory Urine Testing: All DOT-mandated drug tests rely on the analysis of a urine specimen and must be conducted at a SAMHSA-certified laboratory.
Safety-Sensitive Roles: Testing is required for employees in specific safety-sensitive positions within the transportation industry, including truck drivers, pilots, and train operators.
Chain of Custody: A strict, federally-mandated chain of custody process is followed to ensure the integrity and accuracy of every test from collection to result.
Medical Review Officer: All positive results are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO), a licensed physician who verifies the result and looks for any valid medical explanations.
Consequences: A verified positive test leads to immediate removal from safety-sensitive duties and requires a return-to-duty process involving a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

The federal government mandates a standardized drug testing program for employees in safety-sensitive positions across various transportation industries. This program utilizes a 5-panel drug test to screen for specific substances. A positive test can lead to significant consequences, including removal from safety-sensitive duties.

The Five Panel: An Overview

The DOT 5-panel test identifies the presence of five major drug classes or their metabolites in a urine sample. While the name remains '5-panel,' updates have been made to the included substances. A notable change in 2018 expanded the opioid category.

1. Marijuana (THC)

The test screens for THC metabolites. Detection times vary based on factors like usage frequency, body mass, and metabolism, potentially lasting for weeks or months in chronic users. Federal rules prohibit marijuana use for safety-sensitive employees, even if legal at the state level.

2. Cocaine

The test detects cocaine metabolites. Cocaine is a stimulant, and its use can impair judgment, posing risks in safety-sensitive roles.

3. Amphetamines

This category includes amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, and MDA. The 2018 update added MDA to the screening. Abuse of these substances can lead to dangerous behavioral effects.

4. Opioids

Expanded in 2018, this panel now includes semi-synthetic opioids in addition to traditional opiates. Substances tested for include codeine, morphine, 6-AM (heroin metabolite), hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone.

5. Phencyclidine (PCP)

PCP is a hallucinogen known for causing severe psychological effects. Testing for PCP is crucial due to the unpredictable behavior it can induce.

DOT vs. Non-DOT Drug Tests: What's the Difference?

Both DOT and non-DOT tests detect drug use, but they differ in regulation and requirements.


Feature	DOT Drug Tests	Non-DOT Drug Tests
Regulatory Body	Federally mandated by DOT	Determined by individual employers.
Substances Tested	Fixed 5-panel test	Varies by employer policy; can include more drugs.
Specimen Type	Urine only.	Can use various specimens.
Testing Procedure	Strict, standardized protocol with Chain of Custody.	Procedures can vary.
Lab Certification	Must be SAMHSA-certified.	Certification may vary.
Consequences	Federally mandated removal and SAP evaluation.	Consequences based on company policy.

The DOT Testing Process and Compliance

The DOT testing process is designed for accuracy and integrity. Key steps include:

Collection: A urine sample is collected at a certified site.
Chain of Custody: A Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form (CCF) tracks the sample.
Laboratory Analysis: A SAMHSA-certified lab performs testing.
Medical Review Officer (MRO): An MRO reviews positive results and contacts the employee for potential medical explanations.
Reporting: The MRO reports the final result to the employer.
Testing Scenarios: Testing is required for various reasons, including pre-employment, random, and post-accident.

Conclusion

The regulations surrounding what are the five DOT drugs are essential for public safety in transportation. The standardized 5-panel test helps manage risks associated with drug use in critical roles. The panel is periodically updated to remain effective, emphasizing the need for ongoing awareness. Official DOT resources provide comprehensive information on the testing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a standard DOT 5-panel drug test does not screen for alcohol. Alcohol testing is conducted separately, typically using a breathalyzer, and is required in different scenarios such as after an accident or if there is reasonable suspicion.

A verified positive result requires immediate removal from safety-sensitive duties. You must then undergo an evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and follow their recommendations for treatment and testing before being eligible to return to work.

Yes, certain prescribed medications, particularly opioids like hydrocodone or oxycodone, can result in a positive test. This is why the Medical Review Officer (MRO) will contact you during the review process to discuss any valid prescriptions before verifying a positive result.

Most DOT drug tests are not directly observed to protect privacy. However, direct observation is mandatory in specific situations, such as a return-to-duty or follow-up test, or if there is evidence of tampering with the sample.

Detection times vary by substance, usage frequency, and individual metabolism. For occasional use, most drugs are detectable for a few days, but chronic marijuana use can be detected for 30 days or more.

No, DOT tests do not screen for CBD. However, due to potential manufacturing inconsistencies, some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC that could cause a positive result for marijuana.

DOT testing is mandatory for employees in safety-sensitive positions regulated by agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).