Driver database rule clears White House, e-log rule delayed

A rule implementing a database of drivers who have failed or refused a drug or alcohol test has cleared the White House’s Office of Management and Budget and likely will be published in the Federal Register as a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking within the next several weeks. 

The drug and alcohol clearinghouse rule will establish the database and require carriers to upload a driver’s information when he or she fails or refuses to take a drug test. Carriers could then query the database, with written approval from a driver, to screen drivers when making hires.

The OMB approved the rule Jan. 27. But the rule was expected to clear the OMB Jan. 17, per a Department of Transportation report — the same day a rule mandating use of electronic logging devices was predicted to be approved by OMB.

The e-log rule, however, still has not cleared OMB.

The DOT’s report was issued Jan. 10 and said the proposed clearinghouse rule was expected to be published in the Federal Register Jan. 29. 

The same report said that the e-log rule would likely be published Jan. 31. However, given the delay in clearance from the OMB, neither rule is expected to be published on those dates.