U.S. Department of Transportation

Scope

Regulations issued by the DOT and the many agencies within it apply to companies engaged in transportation via highway, rail, air, and other modes of transportation.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR Part 37 — Transportation Services for Individuals With Disabilities (ADA)
• 49 CFR Part 38 — Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Specifications for Transportation Vehicles
• 49 CFR Part 40 — Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs

Key definitions

• None

Summary of requirements

The U.S. DOT is composed of many “operating administrations,” each overseeing one component of the transportation system. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issues regulations for motor carrier safety while the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulates pipeline and hazardous materials transportation.

The DOT itself, through the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST), also issues regulations that apply to all modes of transportation. For example, the DOT has regulations for drug and alcohol testing of all transportation workers in 49 CFR Part 40, and rules for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Parts 37 and 38.

Note that many states have their own departments of transportation, but state DOT agencies only have jurisdiction over transportation in their respective states.

Operating administrations within DOT. The DOT includes these separate operating administrations, many of which have their own regulations for their respective modes of transportation:

• Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
• Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
• Maritime Administration (MARAD)
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
• Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA)
• Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC)
• Surface Transportation Board (STB)

Brief descriptions of the DOT agencies. Following is a brief description of some of these operating administrations:

• Office of the Secretary. The Secretary of Transportation is the leader of the DOT. The Secretary of Transportation is appointed by and provides advice to the President in matters relating to federal transportation programs.
• Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) has an intermodal transportation focus with a mission to compile, analyze, and publish statistics relevant to the nation’s transportation system.
• Federal Highway Administration. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) coordinates highway transportation programs in cooperation with the states and other partners to enhance safety, economic vitality, quality of life, and the environment. Major programs include the Federal-Aid Highway Program, which provides federal financial assistance to the states to construct and improve the National Highway System, urban and rural roads, and bridges. FHWA also manages a comprehensive research, development, and technology program.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was established on January 1, 2000. Formerly a part of FHWA, FMCSA’s primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
• Federal Transit Administration. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) assists in developing improved mass transportation systems for cities and communities across the country. Through grant programs, FTA helps plan, build, and operate transit systems. While buses and trains are the most common types of public transportation, others include ferries, trolleys, inclined railways, subways, and people movers.
• Maritime Administration. The Maritime Administration (MARAD) promotes development and maintenance of a United States merchant marine, sufficient to carry domestic waterborne commerce and a substantial portion of the waterborne foreign commerce, and capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency. MARAD also works to ensure adequate shipbuilding and repair service, efficient ports, effective intermodal water and land transportation systems, and reserve shipping capacity in time of national emergency.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for reducing deaths, injuries and economic loss from motor vehicle crashes. NHTSA sets and enforces safety performance standards for motor vehicles and equipment, and provides grants to state and local governments to conduct highway safety programs. NHTSA investigates safety defects in motor vehicles, sets and enforces fuel economy standards, helps states and communities reduce the threat of drunk drivers, promotes safety belt use along with child safety seats and air bags, investigates odometer fraud, establishes and enforces vehicle anti-theft regulations and provides consumer information on motor vehicle safety topics.
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Research and Innovative Technology Administration. In 2005, DOT announced the creation of these two agencies to replace the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA). RITA focuses on innovations and research; PHMSA on hazmat safety.
• Surface Transportation Board. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is an independent, bipartisan, adjudicatory body housed within DOT. It is responsible for economic regulation of interstate surface transportation, primarily railroads, within the United States. STB’s mission is to ensure that competitive, efficient, and safe transportation services are provided to meet needs of shippers, receivers, and consumers.