In California, employers and drivers of certain types of buses are exempt from Controlled Substances and Alcohol Testing (CSAT) requirements.
Understanding CSAT Exemptions for Commercial Vehicles
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) outlines specific exemptions for vehicles considered buses, particularly concerning their passenger capacity. These exemptions are relevant to the testing requirements for controlled substances and alcohol.
Specific Exemption Criteria for CSAT
The exemption applies to a very specific category of vehicles and their operators:
- Vehicle Definition: A vehicle classified as a bus in California that has a passenger capacity ranging from 11 to 15 passengers, including the driver.
- Exempt Parties: Both the employers who operate these specific types of buses and the drivers of these buses are not subject to the CSAT requirements.
It's crucial to understand that while these particular vehicles and their operators are exempt from the testing requirements, the fundamental prohibition of controlled substance and alcohol use by any Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) driver remains in effect. This exemption solely pertains to the obligation to undergo CSAT.
To further clarify, here's a breakdown of the CSAT status for different categories based on the exemption:
| Category of Vehicle/Operator | CSAT Requirement Status |
|---|---|
| Employers of buses (11-15 passenger capacity, including driver) | Exempt |
| Drivers of buses (11-15 passenger capacity, including driver) | Exempt |
| Other Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers | Generally Subject |
