Skip to content
Vincony — fast, managed web hosting for your next site
The Pilots Desk
US-FAA14 CFR 61.16

Refusal to submit to an alcohol test or to furnish test results

Read the official rule

If a law enforcement officer requests you to take an alcohol test under § 91.17(c), or if the FAA requests test results under § 91.17(c) or (d), refusing to comply has serious consequences for your pilot certificates.

Refusing to submit to the test or refusing to provide or authorize release of test results can result in:

  • Denial of any new certificate, rating, or authorization you apply for, for up to one year from the date of refusal
  • Suspension or revocation of any pilot certificate, rating, or authorization you currently hold

This regulation gives the FAA enforcement authority even when you haven't been convicted of an alcohol-related offense. The refusal itself—not a failed test—is what triggers these penalties. This means pilots cannot avoid consequences simply by declining to take a test or withholding results when legally requested.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*

This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 20, 2026.