A screening result of 0.02 or higher requires confirmation
DOT alcohol testing uses a screening test followed, when required, by a confirmation test. Under 49 CFR §40.247, a screening result below 0.02 ends the testing procedure. A screening result of 0.02 or higher requires the employee to proceed to a confirmation test. See the official DOT rule.
The regulatory consequences are based on the applicable confirmed alcohol result and agency rules, not simply an initial screening number.
A result from 0.02 through 0.039 is not the same as 0.04
49 CFR §40.23 requires an employer receiving an alcohol concentration of 0.020 through 0.039 to temporarily remove the employee from safety-sensitive functions as provided by the applicable DOT agency regulation. For FMCSA-regulated drivers, 49 CFR §382.505 requires the driver to remain out of safety-sensitive functions for 24 hours.
That result should not automatically be described as a SAP-triggering 0.04 alcohol violation. If your confirmed result was below 0.04, check the rule for your transportation mode and the exact circumstances rather than assuming you need the full SAP process.
At 0.04 or higher, the SAP process applies
Under 49 CFR §40.285, a DOT alcohol test showing an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater is a DOT drug and alcohol regulation violation. The employee cannot again perform DOT safety-sensitive duties until completing the required SAP evaluation, referral and education or treatment process. Certain other alcohol-related violations, including qualifying refusals or violations of agency alcohol prohibitions, can also trigger the process.
The SAP determines the appropriate education or treatment after evaluating the individual. There is no universal alcohol course or predetermined treatment requirement. The stages are explained in the DOT return-to-duty process.
SAP completion is not the final return-to-duty decision
After the SAP determines that the employee has successfully complied with the recommendations, an employer that chooses to return the employee to safety-sensitive duties must ensure the required return-to-duty test is completed. For an alcohol violation, §40.305 requires an alcohol concentration below 0.02 before safety-sensitive duties resume.
The employer is not required to return someone to the position merely because these regulatory conditions have been met. Follow-up testing may also be required under the SAP's plan. See DOT follow-up testing for how those obligations differ from random testing.