PUBLISHED AS REQUIRED BY THE CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
Zero Tolerance Drug And Alcohol Policy
This policy is published because Tallahassee Code section 22-32(a)(6) requires a vehicle for hire company to give notice of its zero tolerance policy to its drivers and to the public. It is the same document our drivers receive.
Review Cycle: Annually, and on any amendment to City of Tallahassee Code Chapter 22
Published publicly as required by City of Tallahassee Code sec. 22-32(a)(6).
1. Purpose
DJ Capital Transport transports members of the public. A passenger who enters one of our vehicles is placing their physical safety in the hands of the driver and has no way to verify that driver's fitness for themselves. This policy exists so that trust is never misplaced.
The Company operates a zero tolerance standard. No driver may operate a Company vehicle, or transport a passenger, while under the influence of alcohol or any impairing drug, at any level, at any time, for any reason.
This policy is adopted to satisfy sec. 22-32(a)(6), which requires every vehicle for hire company to implement a zero tolerance policy on the use of drugs or alcohol and to give notice of that policy to all company drivers and to the public.
2. Who This Applies To
This policy applies to every driver, employee and contractor who operates a Company vehicle or transports a passenger on Company business. It applies:
- While operating any Company vehicle, whether or not a passenger is aboard.
- While on duty, on call, or in any period in which the driver has accepted or may accept a dispatch.
- While at a Company vehicle storage or staging location.
- While wearing Company identification or otherwise presenting as a Company driver.
Independent contractor status does not reduce the standard.
3. What Is Prohibited
- Consuming, possessing, distributing or being under the influence of alcohol within the scope described in Section 2.
- Any measurable alcohol concentration while on duty. The Company internal standard is 0.00. Separately, a confirmed alcohol test result at a BAC of 0.04 or higher is a disqualifying result under the City Vehicle For Hire Operator requirements.
- Using, possessing, distributing or being under the influence of any illegal or controlled substance, including cannabis in any form. Cannabis is prohibited under this policy regardless of any state level authorisation, because the concern is impairment behind the wheel.
- Misusing any prescribed or over the counter medication, or using a lawful medication in a way that impairs safe operation of a vehicle.
- Refusing to submit to a required test, failing to report for a test, leaving a collection site before a test is complete, or failing to provide an adequate sample without a documented medical reason. A refusal is treated exactly as a positive result.
- Tampering with, adulterating, substituting, diluting or contaminating a sample, or attempting to do so, or providing false information in connection with a test.
- Failing to report a conviction, arrest or licence action related to drugs or alcohol.
4. Prescription And Over The Counter Medication
Drivers may take lawfully prescribed and over the counter medication. A driver must not drive if a medication carries a warning against driving or operating machinery, or if it in fact impairs them.
A driver in that position notifies the Company before their next shift. The Company will not ask for a diagnosis and will not ask what condition is being treated. The only question is whether the driver is fit to drive safely. A driver who reports this in good faith before driving has complied with this policy. A driver who drives impaired and reports it afterwards has not.
5. Testing
The Company may require a drug or alcohol test in each of the following circumstances.
| Type | When |
|---|---|
| Pre engagement | Before a driver is activated and permitted to accept a first dispatch |
| Reasonable suspicion | When trained observation of appearance, behaviour, speech or odour gives reasonable grounds to suspect impairment |
| Post incident | After any crash involving injury, a fatality, a towed vehicle, or significant property damage |
| Return to duty and follow up | As a condition of any return to driving after a violation, where the Company permits a return at all |
| City directed | At the request of the Vehicle For Hire Administrator under sec. 22-63(b)(3), which authorises testing where reasonable suspicion exists or where a driver has been involved in a crash with serious injury or serious property damage |
Refusing or failing to submit to a test requested by the Vehicle For Hire Administrator is due cause for revocation of the driver permit or credential with no reapplication for one year, and failing such a test carries the same consequence, under sec. 22-63(b)(3)b.
6. Consequence Of A Violation
A confirmed positive result, a refusal, or a tampering attempt results in immediate removal from all driving duties and termination of the driving relationship with DJ Capital Transport. The Company does not operate a second chance standard for impaired driving.
The Company will cooperate fully with the Vehicle For Hire Administrator during the pendency of any investigation, as required by sec. 22-32(a)(6).
7. If You Are A Passenger
If you reasonably suspect that a DJ Capital Transport driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during your ride, report it. The reporting procedure is published separately as our Public Drug And Alcohol Reporting Procedure and is available on our website. You may also contact the City of Tallahassee Vehicle For Hire Administrator directly.
8. Contact
DJ Capital Transport PO Box 5861, Tallahassee, FL 32314 (850) 600-6292 [email protected] djcapitaltransport.com
9. Authority
- City of Tallahassee Code of General Ordinances, sec. 22-32(a)(6): zero tolerance policy and public notice.
- City of Tallahassee Code of General Ordinances, sec. 22-63(b)(3): testing, refusal and revocation.
- City of Tallahassee Vehicle For Hire Company Permit application and company checklist.