🚫 Controlled Substances/Alcohol: How Drug and Alcohol Violations Damage Your CSA Score

When it comes to DOT safety, Controlled Substances and Alcohol violations are some of the most serious offenses a driver or motor carrier can face. That’s why the FMCSA includes this category as one of the CSA BASICs (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories) — and violations here come with heavy CSA score penalties and strict consequences.

In this article, we’ll break down what this BASIC covers, how it affects your CSA score, and how to stay compliant with FMCSA drug and alcohol testing requirements.

💊 What Is the Controlled Substances/Alcohol BASIC?

This BASIC measures a carrier’s compliance with federal regulations related to the use or possession of drugs and alcohol by CMV drivers. It's designed to prevent impaired driving, which is one of the leading causes of fatal crashes on the road.

Violations in this category are often identified during:

  • Roadside inspections

  • Crash investigations

  • DOT audits

  • Random drug and alcohol testing programs

Because of the public safety risk, the FMCSA takes this BASIC extremely seriously.

⚠️ Common Controlled Substances/Alcohol Violations

The most common violations under this BASIC include:

  • Operating a CMV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

  • Possession of alcohol or drugs in the vehicle (even if unopened)

  • Refusal to submit to alcohol or drug testing

  • Failure to implement a drug/alcohol testing program

  • Using a driver who has tested positive and has not completed return-to-duty steps

  • Not removing a driver from duty after a failed or refused test

Each of these violations is assigned a severity weight, with the most serious — like DUI or refusal — carrying maximum points.

📊 How This BASIC Affects Your CSA Score

Like other CSA categories, the Controlled Substances/Alcohol BASIC is scored using a percentile ranking system, where you’re compared to similar carriers based on:

  • Violation severity

  • Violation recency

  • Number of inspections with violations

The intervention thresholds for this BASIC are:

  • General carriers: 80%

  • Hazmat carriers: 75%

  • Passenger carriers: 65%

Because these violations are high risk, it doesn’t take many to trigger an audit or investigation, especially for smaller carriers.

🛑 What Happens If You’re Out of Compliance?

Violations in this BASIC can result in:

  • Immediate out-of-service orders for drivers

  • DOT audits or compliance reviews

  • A downgraded safety rating

  • Significant insurance rate increases

  • Civil penalties and fines

  • Disqualification from federal contracts or broker agreements

In short: drug and alcohol violations aren’t just bad for your CSA score — they’re bad for your business.

✅ How to Stay Compliant and Protect Your CSA Score

1. Implement a DOT-Compliant Testing Program

All motor carriers with CDL drivers operating vehicles over 26,001 lbs. must have a drug and alcohol testing program that includes:

  • Pre-employment testing

  • Random testing (FMCSA minimum: 50% drug, 10% alcohol)

  • Post-accident testing

  • Reasonable suspicion testing

  • Return-to-duty and follow-up testing

Use a consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA) if you don’t manage it in-house.

2. Train Supervisors

FMCSA requires supervisors of CDL drivers to complete at least 60 minutes of training each on drug and alcohol misuse recognition.

3. Educate Your Drivers

Make sure drivers understand the consequences of use, possession, or refusal. A clear policy and training should be part of onboarding.

4. Know When to Test

Understand the DOT’s rules for post-accident testing, including what types of crashes require it and within what time frames.

5. Remove Violators Immediately

If a driver fails or refuses a test, they must be immediately removed from safety-sensitive functions and may not return without completing the SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) process.

🔒 Final Thoughts: Keep Substance Violations Out of Your CSA Score

The Controlled Substances/Alcohol BASIC can derail your CSA score faster than almost any other category — and even one violation can trigger major consequences. But the good news is, with the right policies, training, and testing in place, it’s entirely avoidable.

A clean record here not only protects your CSA score — it keeps your fleet safer and your business more trustworthy in the eyes of regulators, shippers, and insurers.