DRUGS!!!

Drug tests are supposed to be performed the next time you go on duty. If you don't plan on going on duty, then you should be fine.

 

Got a regulation that claims that? You are likely thinking alcohol testing, which has different criteria than drug testing.

 

only if returning to safety sensitive work

 

OK, Let's start all over! NO, you need more than a legal prescription to actually drive a CMV when taking one of the substances listed in 40.85! Pay close attention to how this is worded! LINK! You MUST also have the ME who does the physical to approve it. Without this approval EVEN with a legal RX you might have a problem. This is NOT my opinion, it is the rules!

 

You’ll be clean by the time you test. If you give yourself 72 hours tops you’ll be fine.

 

i was first.

 

The half-life of most narcotic pain killers is less than 20 hours. This means most of the analytes are out of your system within 20 hours. In the OPs case if I have read the question correctly is wanting to drive while keeping a therapeutic level 24/7. This takes a legal RX ALONG with ME approval.

 

This is not a contest. I saw the post. I amplified that post with links to the regulations and the FMCSA interpretation!

 

lol

 

What I think is confusion over the FMCSA guidance of 391.45. Whether or not to get a new physical basically is up to the carrier.

Question 3: Must a driver who is returning from an illness or injury undergo a medical examination even if his current medical certificate has not expired?

Guidance: The FMCSRs do not require an examination in this case unless the injury or illness has impaired the driver’s ability to perform his/her normal duties. However, the motor carrier may require a driver returning from any illness or injury to take a physical examination. But, in either case, the motor carrier has the obligation to determine if an injury or illness renders the driver medically unqualified.