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

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.