Ask X3What does 49 CFR 382.207 (Pre-duty use) require?
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Short answer
No driver shall perform safety-sensitive functions within four hours after using alcohol.
The rule says
"No driver shall perform safety-sensitive functions within four hours after using alcohol." (49 CFR 382.207)
"No employer having actual knowledge that a driver has used alcohol within four hours shall permit a driver to perform or continue to perform safety-sensitive functions." (49 CFR 382.207)
In plain English
This rule is about preventing drivers from performing critical safety tasks after drinking alcohol. The four-hour wait is a hard rule - if a driver has used alcohol, they cannot drive or do other safety-sensitive work for four hours. Employers also have a role: if they know a driver has been drinking, they must not let that driver work until the four hours are up. This is a safety rule to protect the public and other drivers on the road.
What to do
- Ensure drivers understand the four-hour wait rule after alcohol use
- Train supervisors to recognize signs of alcohol use and take action
- Establish a system for tracking driver hours and alcohol use
- Review company policies to ensure compliance with 49 CFR 382.207