Drug & Alcohol Policy

SECTION 47A-2.1.6

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY – INTOXICATING SUBSTANCES

1. Purpose

Apex Private Chauffeurs is committed to providing a safe, secure, and professional transportation experience for all clients. The use of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substances presents a direct risk to passenger safety, company liability, and operational integrity.

This policy establishes a strict zero-tolerance standard for intoxicating substances in accordance with workplace safety expectations and federal safety principles.  

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, chauffeurs, contractors, and affiliates
• All company vehicles, client interactions, and company premises
• Any individual performing services on behalf of Apex Private Chauffeurs

3. Policy Statement

Apex Private Chauffeurs maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use, possession, or presence of intoxicating substances.

At no time shall any employee:

• Report to duty under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Consume alcohol or drugs while on duty or on-call
• Possess illegal drugs, controlled substances, or alcohol while working
• Operate a company vehicle while impaired

The presence of any detectable level of alcohol or illegal substances in an employee’s system while performing company duties is strictly prohibited.  

4. Prohibited Substances

This policy includes, but is not limited to:

• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs
• Controlled substances without valid prescription
• Misuse of prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications that impair performance
• Synthetic or designer drugs

Employees using prescribed medication must ensure it does not impair their ability to safely perform duties and must disclose any work limitations.  

5. Fitness for Duty

All personnel must report to work:

• Fully alert and unimpaired
• Physically and mentally capable of performing duties
• In compliance with all safety and driving regulations

Any indication of impairment will result in immediate removal from duty.

6. Testing Policy

Apex Private Chauffeurs reserves the right to conduct drug and alcohol testing under the following conditions:

• Pre-employment screening
• Reasonable suspicion (e.g., odor, behavior, speech, coordination issues)
• Post-incident/accident
• Random testing (if applicable)

Refusal to submit to testing will be treated as a positive result.

7. Reasonable Suspicion Indicators

Indicators may include (but are not limited to):

• Smell of alcohol or substances
• Slurred speech or confusion
• Unsteady movement or impaired coordination
• Erratic behavior or drowsiness

Such observations may trigger immediate testing and suspension pending results.  

8. Enforcement & Disciplinary Action

Violation of this policy will result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including:

• Immediate suspension
• Termination of employment
• Removal from client service eligibility
• Notification to law enforcement if applicable

Zero-tolerance policies require consistent enforcement without exception.  

9. Safety-Sensitive Position Standard

All chauffeurs are classified as safety-sensitive employees, meaning:

• Any impairment poses a direct risk to passengers and the public
• Strict compliance is mandatory at all times
• Even minimal substance presence is unacceptable

10. Compliance & Legal Framework

This policy supports:

• OSHA workplace safety obligations to eliminate hazards  
• Drug-Free Workplace principles
• Applicable federal, state, and local transportation regulations

11. Employee Responsibility

Employees are required to:

• Comply fully with this policy
• Report any suspected violations
• Cooperate with investigations and testing procedures

Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.

12. Acknowledgment

All employees must sign an acknowledgment confirming:

• Receipt of this policy
• Understanding of zero-tolerance standards
• Agreement to comply as a condition of employment

“Apex Private Chauffeurs operates at a concierge-level standard where professionalism, discretion, and safety are non-negotiable. Any deviation from this policy compromises the client experience and will not be tolerated.”