Can I require an applicant to take a pre-employment drug test?

In general, drug testing is not required by law. Not only is it not required, but California’s constitutional guarantee of an individual’s right to privacy places additional restrictions on the ability of California employers to conduct drug testing.

However, certain employees in transportation industries must pass drug tests, and businesses that contract with the state or the federal government must certify that their workplaces are drug-free.

If you wish to require pre-employment drug testing for applicants, you should follow these guidelines.