The Second Clearinghouse Rule: CDL Downgrades Begin November 18, 2024

The compliance date for the second Clearinghouse final rule (Clearinghouse-II) is fast approaching. Beginning November 18, 2024, SDLAs will be required to remove the commercial driving privileges of drivers in a “prohibited” status in FMCSA’s CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, which would result in a downgrade of the driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) until the driver completes the return-to-duty process. Some States have already begun downgrading CDLs for drivers in a “prohibited” status. The Clearinghouse-II rule supports FMCSA’s goal of ensuring that only qualified drivers are eligible to obtain and retain a CDL. FMCSA has created a Return-to-Duty Quick Reference Guide outlining the return-to-duty process that drivers with a “prohibited” Clearinghouse status must complete so they can get their status back to “not prohibited.” For more information about the return-to-duty process, visit the Clearinghouse Learning Center or frequently asked questions.

FMCSA Updates SMS Website

FMCSA has updated the Safety Measurement System (SMS) Website with the October 25, 2024 results. Complete SMS results are available to enforcement users and motor carriers that are logged into the SMS Website.

Note: the Prioritization Preview Website continues to be updated monthly alongside the SMS Website. Motor carriers can visit the Preview site and log in to see what their prioritization results would be under the proposed new methodology.