FMCSA rolls out first phase of driver pre-employment screening program

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Feb. 26 announced the launch of Phase I of a driver pre-employment program that, when fully activated, would give motor carriers access to commercial motor vehicle drivers' crash and safety inspection histories.

According to a FMCSA press release, Phase I gives motor carriers the opportunity to visit the Pre-Employment Screening Program Website and pre-register for the program by submitting company contact information. In accordance with federal privacy laws, drivers first must give written consent for their records to be released to a prospective motor carrier employer. FMCSA expects to fully launch the program this summer.

In related news, the Department of Transportation made final an interim rule that requires disclosure of test results for CMV licensed drivers who have drug and alcohol violations. According to a notice (.pdf file) published in the Feb. 25 Federal Register, the interim final rule, published June 13, 2008, now is a final rule authorizing employers in DOT's drug and alcohol testing program to disclose such violations to state commercial driver licensing authorities.