The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)(5 U.S.C. § 552) establishes a presumption that records in the possession of agencies and departments of the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government are available to the public. The FOIA requires that Federal agencies provide access to and disclosure of information pertaining to the agencies' business to the fullest extent possible. To facilitate public access to agency records, the FOIA requires agencies to create "electronic reading rooms" where various types of agency records are available for public inspection in electronic form. Please visit FMCSA's electronic reading room. The FOIA also sets standards to allow agencies to withhold or redact agency records or information when agencies believe it to be necessary. When an agency withholds an agency record from a FOIA requester, or redacts information from an agency record disclosed, or does not timely process a FOIA request, the FOIA gives requesters specific legal rights and provides administrative and judicial remedies.

FMCSA strongly endorses a policy of openness in Government!

Links to More FOIA Information:

• Department of Transportation FOIA Web Site
• FOIA Reference Guide
• FOIA Regulation
• Department of Justice FOIA Web Site
• Motor Carrier Documents/Information Available without a FOIA Request