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How Long Does a Violation Stay on Your FMCSA Clearinghouse Record?

  • Writer: Get Out of Prohibited
    Get Out of Prohibited
  • Aug 6
  • 2 min read

If you're a CDL driver with a violation in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, you may be wondering:


“How long will this stay on my record?”

“Can trucking companies still see it after I’ve completed the Return-to-Duty process?”


Let’s break it down — step-by-step — so you understand exactly what to expect and how to move forward in your trucking career.



How Long Will a Clearinghouse Violation Be Visible?


A resolved violation — one where you’ve completed the full Return-to-Duty (RTD) process — will remain visible in the Clearinghouse for five (5) years from the date of the violation.

⚠️ Even after you complete all your required drug tests and your status is back to "eligible," the violation will still appear as “1 resolved violation” on your Clearinghouse report for that five-year period.

This can affect how employers view your application, especially if they don’t understand what "resolved" means — but that’s where education and documentation come into play.



What Is the Return-to-Duty Process?


If you're in prohibited status, the DOT requires you to go through six steps:


✅ Steps 1–4:

These must be completed with a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).


✅ Step 5:

You’ll need to take a Return-to-Duty drug test. This can be done:

  • With a trucking company you plan to work for (usually at no charge), or

  • With a Consortium Third Party Administrator (C/TPA) like us at GetOutOfProhibited.com.

We specialize in helping drivers complete Step 5 quickly and efficiently so they can get back on the road.


✅ Step 6:

This is the Follow-Up Testing Plan.It’s the longest phase and requires random, observed drug tests over 12–60 months.

  • The FMCSA minimum is 6 tests.

  • Your SAP may require 8, 10, or more, depending on your case.

Your employer or C/TPA will coordinate these pop-up tests. You must complete every one to stay compliant.



What Happens When Step 6 Is Complete?


Once you’ve finished your SAP’s follow-up testing plan:

  • Your Clearinghouse record will update to show “1 resolved violation.”

  • This resolved status remains visible for 5 years from the original violation date.

Even though it’s resolved, some employers may still ask questions — so be prepared to explain your situation and provide proof of completion.



Need Help With Step 5 or Step 6?

We’ve helped over 1,000 drivers successfully complete their RTD process and get back in good standing.

If you’re:

  • Stuck in Step 5

  • Need a trusted SAP referral

  • Looking for a C/TPA to manage your testing

  • Unsure how to move forward…


📞 Call us at (832) 384-5689

🌐 Visit www.getoutofprohibited.comWe’re here to help you finish the process — fast and the right way.

 
 
 

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