PGC Category Definitions
Legislation. The term legislation is a law which has been promulgated (or enacted) by a legislature or other governing body. The term may refer to a single law, or the collective body of enacted law, while "statute" is also used to refer to a single law. Example document types include: 23 USC, SAFETEA-LU, NEPA, and Title VI. Additionally court decisions are treated with same effect as legislation in the administration of the PGC.
Regulation. The term regulation is an agency statement of general applicability and future effect, which has the force and effect of law, that is designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy or to describe the procedure or practice requirements of an agency. Regulation is codified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Executive Orders are also considered regulation. Executive Orders are codified in 3 CFR. For example, 23 CFR and 49 CFR are commonly referenced in the PGC.
Policy. The term policy is an internal agency statement of general applicability and future effect, other than a regulatory action, that sets forth a course of action, plan, or procedure on a statutory, regulatory, or technical issue or an interpretation of a statutory or regulatory issue. Policy assists the agency with implementing a program, and is often cited with regulation to verify program compliance. The agency expectation is that policies will be implemented and adhered to without deviation. FHWA Policy is issued in accordance with FHWA Order 1321.1C FHWA Directives Management. Directives, Policy Memorandums, and Non-regulatory Supplements are examples of existing policy document types.
Guidance. The term guidance is an agency statement of general applicability and future effect, other than a regulatory or policy action, that provides advice and assistance on a statutory, regulatory, policy, or technical issue. Guidance is used to influence decisions and actions to achieve an expected program outcome. The term implies an agency expectation that the content will be considered in making specific decisions or actions that is within the user's discretion. Guidance can be either external or internal in nature. Technical Advisories and Memorandums are commonly used to transmit guidance documents.
Information. Information is the act of informing, or giving permanent and long-lasting definite knowledge acquired. The content is educational in nature. No agency expectation is implied that the user should consider it in their actions or decisions for specific situations. However, users should be aware that the information is available if they need general background reference on the topic. Information is transmitted in a number of forms including: memoranda, reports, email, guides, handbooks, primers, desk references, tool kits, questions and answers, etc.