ARTICLE
New Law to Allow Drug Screening for NC Cab Drivers

In May 2003, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill (SB 557) allowing municipalities that regulate taxicabs the option of requiring applicants to pass a controlled substance examination before issuing a license.

In response, the city of Jacksonville is currently drafting an ordinance amendment to be sent to the City Council. This ordinance would require, in addition to a criminal background screening, that all candidates applying for a taxicab license would be subject to a drug screening.

"We've been able to do safety inspections and background checks, but we've never been able to do a drug test. I think it's another safety factor for the public that says, 'you are safe if you take a cab,'" said Ken Bumgarner, Jacksonville's police chief. "We have the responsibility of ensuring that whoever is behind the wheel is a safe driver and drug free."

Without an effective drug-screening program, no company is safe from the negative effects and dangers caused by substance abuse. For more information on InfoMart's customized drug screening services, please contact 770-984-2727 or sales@infomart-usa.com.

(Source: Jacksonville Daily News)