Department of Transportation (DOT)

Definition

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is a federal regulatory department of the United States government responsible for overseeing national transportation policies, systems, and infrastructure.

Purpose

The DOT's primary purpose is to ensure safe, efficient, and accessible transportation systems across the United States. It sets regulations, distributes funding for infrastructure projects, and oversees the construction and maintenance of the country's transportation networks, including highways, railways, and airports.

Examples of Use

1. Highway Funding: Allocating federal funds for the construction and maintenance of interstate highways.
2. Aviation Regulation: Setting safety standards and regulations for commercial airlines and airports.
3. Public Transit Development: Providing grants and technical assistance to improve public transportation systems in urban and rural areas.

Related Terms

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA): An agency within the DOT responsible for the oversight of federal-aid highway programs.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): An agency within the DOT that regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): An agency within the DOT dedicated to achieving the highest standards of road traffic safety.

Notes

• The DOT was established by an act of Congress and signed into law on October 15, 1966.
• The Secretary of Transportation, appointed by the President, oversees the department and its agencies.
• The DOT plays a critical role in shaping national transportation policy and ensuring the safe movement of people and goods.