What is Title 49?
12/01/2024
Info Center
Title 49 – Transportation is a part of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) of the United States, dedicated to transportation matters. This section consists of nine volumes, covering a wide range of rules and regulations related to safety, regulation, and management in the transportation industry.
Title 49 contains current federal regulations for various departments and agencies, including:
1.U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT):
Office of the Secretary of Transportation
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Federal Railroad Administration
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Federal Transit Administration
2.U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
U.S. Coast Guard
Transportation Security Administration
3.Other organizations:
National Transportation Safety Board
Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation)
Surface Transportation Board
Who works with this document?
Title 49 is a key tool for a wide range of professionals involved in the transportation industry:
Commercial carriers and drivers: They adhere to safety regulations, such as hours of service rules in parts 300–399.
Companies transporting hazardous materials: They must comply with standards and use the Hazardous Materials Table.
Vehicle manufacturers: They design and produce vehicles according to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (part 571).
Railroad companies and passenger transport providers: They follow rules outlined in chapters related to railroad administration.
Public transit agencies: They operate within regulations concerning public transportation.
Is Title 49 important for regular drivers?
Regular drivers encounter Title 49 less frequently than transportation professionals, but it can be useful in the following cases:
Understanding safety standards: Part 571 establishes standards for vehicles to ensure driver and passenger safety.
Transporting hazardous materials: If a driver transports hazardous materials, even for personal use, they must follow the regulations.
Disputes with vehicle manufacturers: In cases of defects or non-compliance with safety standards, Title 49 can be used to protect consumer rights.
To which states does Title 49 apply?
Title 49 applies across the entire United States. These are federal regulations that carry legal authority in every state, regardless of local laws. Compliance is mandatory for everyone within its jurisdiction.
Title 49 is a fundamental legal document that governs the transportation industry in the United States. It is vital for professionals in this field and, in some cases, can be useful for regular drivers. Understanding the key aspects of Title 49 helps ensure compliance with laws and safety standards in transportation, contributing to the protection of lives and health.
