DOT to Revise Rulemaking and Enforcement Procedures

Posted on 6/3/2025 by Lion Technology Inc.

US DOT is accepting public comments until June 16, 2025 on a proposal to update internal agency policies and procedures for issuing new rules, releasing guidance documents, and conducting enforcement activity. DOT included many of these same updates in a December 2019 Final Rule, before that rule was rescinded during the following Presidential administration (in 2021).

When DOT rescinded the 2019 Rule, the agency reasoned that many of the provisions were already addressed by existing policies and regulations. In the new proposed rule, DOT says that while this criticism of the rule may be valid, there is still reason to promulgate a Rule that collects these policies and procedures in one place:

“The Department has reconsidered these justifications for the 2021 rulemaking and supports the recodification of the procedures. While many of the procedures contained in this notice of proposed rulemaking are contained in internal procedures, they are not found in one comprehensive and consolidated source.”

DOT to Revise Rulemaking and Enforcement Procedures

Proposed Updates for DOT Rulemakings, Enforcement

While the rule concerns internal DOT procedures, it will have an effect for industry stakeholders who participate in the rulemaking process, rely on the agency for compliance guidance or assistance, and face enforcement for violations of DOT regulations. Provisions in the proposed rule include:

Adding enhanced procedural requirements for rules that are “economically significant” and/or “high impact”
Re-establishing a task force to review and make recommendations about new and existing transportation regulations
Re-instate policies and procedures for approval of DOT guidance documents
Re-instate and consolidate in one location policies and procedures for enforcement for DOT regulations

The proposed rule continues:

“Codifying...procedures concerning enforcement and the development and issuance of rulemaking and guidance documents into the Code of Federal Regulations leaves no doubt to departmental staff and regulated entities on the expectations regarding the procedural safeguards and expectations governing the Department's administrative actions.”

DOT will accept public comments on the proposed rule until June 16, 2025.

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Tips to identify and manage universal waste under more-stringent state regulations for generators and universal waste handlers in California.

Download

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.