What does 49 CFR 40.42 (Where does a urine collection for a DOT drug test take place?) require?

Short answer

A urine collection for a DOT drug test must take place in a collection site meeting the requirements of 49 CFR 40.42. The collection site can be a single-toilet room or a multistall restroom, and must provide substantial visual privacy and meet security requirements.

The rule says

"A urine collection for a DOT drug test must take place in a collection site meeting the requirements of this section." (49 CFR 40.42(a))

"The first, and preferred, type of facility for urination that a collection site may include is a single-toilet room, having a full-length privacy door, within which urination can occur." (49 CFR 40.42(e))

"The second type of facility for urination that a collection site may include is a multistall restroom." (49 CFR 40.42(f))

In plain English

The collection site for a DOT urine drug test must be a secure and private area, which can be a single-toilet room or a multistall restroom. The site must provide substantial visual privacy, and if it's a multistall restroom, sources of water and other substances that could be used for adulteration and substitution must be secured. The goal is to prevent tampering with the specimen and ensure the integrity of the testing process. In practice, this means that the collection site must be carefully selected and prepared to meet these requirements, and that the collector must be trained to follow the proper procedures.

What to do

• Ensure that the collection site meets the requirements of 49 CFR 40.42, including security and privacy standards.
• Choose a single-toilet room or a multistall restroom that provides substantial visual privacy.
• Secure sources of water and other substances that could be used for adulteration and substitution, if using a multistall restroom.
• Train collectors to follow the proper procedures for conducting a urine collection.