---
title: FMCSA Updates to DOT Downgrades
description: "Learn about FMCSA's new rule: No converting DOT tests to non-DOT. Incorrectly reported tests? File a petition via DataQs for correction."
---

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# [FMCSA Updates to DOT Downgrades](https://www.sparkts.net/blogs/fmcsa-updates-to-dot-downgrades)

 Written by [Holly Rainwater](https://www.sparkts.net/blogs/author/holly-rainwater) | Mar 18, 2024 2:17:56 PM

Effective immediately, FMCSA no longer accepts requests to convert a DOT drug test to a non-DOT test. However, if a violation has been incorrectly reported to the **FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse** based on a non-DOT drug test, or a DOT drug test that should have been processed as non-DOT, a petition to request correction of the driver’s Clearinghouse record may be submitted through FMCSA’s DataQs system: [https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov/](https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov/).  

Detailed instructions on how to file a petition are available here:  [https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/content/resources/Clearinghouse-Submit-Data-Review-Petition.pdf](https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/content/resources/Clearinghouse-Submit-Data-Review-Petition.pdf)

If a test result has not been entered into the Clearinghouse, then the employer can make the determination without consulting with FMCSA.  The employer should create a record of the justification that would be available upon request in the event of a future inspection.

In either case, there is no need to contact the laboratory that reported the result, or to request the laboratory to re-report the result as non-DOT. 

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[Spark TS](https://www.sparkts.net/) is a leader in offering safety and compliance software and services solutions for the railroad and transportation industries. Spark TS set the standards for the [CFR Part 243 Training Rule](https://www.sparkts.net/blogs/243-compliance-checklist) implementation with Rail Tasker™, a railroad mobile application for building safer work environments including operations testing, safety alert briefings, training, and are industry experts in [CFR Part 40 DOT Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs.](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40)

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