Can You Dispute or Remove a Violation from the Clearinghouse?

If you log into your FMCSA Clearinghouse dashboard and see a violation that you believe is completely inaccurate, you have a federal right to fight it. However, the dispute process is strictly for procedural errors, not for arguing the results of a scientifically validated lab test.

What You CAN Dispute

You can use the FMCSA's DataQs system to petition for the removal of a violation if you believe there was a factual or procedural error in how it was reported. Valid reasons for a dispute include:

• Identity Theft/Clerical Error: The violation was actually committed by another driver with a similar name or CDL number.
• Improper "Refusal" Designation: An employer reported that you "refused to test," but you have documentation proving you were never notified of the test, or you had a valid medical emergency verified by a physician.
• Non-DOT Test Reported: An employer improperly reported the results of a non-DOT drug test (like a standard pre-employment hair follicle test) to the federal DOT Clearinghouse.

What You CANNOT Dispute

The Clearinghouse is just a reporting database; it is not a scientific review board. You cannot use the DataQs system to argue:

• "The lab made a mistake testing my urine."
• "I only smoked marijuana while I was off-duty."
• "The Medical Review Officer (MRO) didn't listen to my excuse."

If you believe the lab made a mistake, you have 72 hours from the time the MRO contacts you to request that your "Split Specimen" (the second half of your urine sample) be sent to a different certified lab for re-testing. Once the MRO verifies the positive result, it is final.

How to File a Dispute (The DataQs System)

If you have a valid procedural dispute, here is how you file it:

1. Gather Evidence: A dispute without evidence will be immediately rejected. Gather emails, medical documents, employer policies, or anything that proves the report is factually incorrect.
2. Log into DataQs: Go to the FMCSA DataQs website (dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov) and register for an account.
3. Submit a Request for Data Review (RDR): Select the option to dispute Clearinghouse data. Upload your evidence and write a clear, professional explanation of why the data is factually incorrect.
4. Wait for Review: The FMCSA will review your RDR. During this time, the violation remains visible on your record. If they agree with your evidence, the violation will be permanently scrubbed from the system.