Web Standards

The web standards listed below capture the current DOT web standards, and ensure compliance with the latest federal policy for websites and digital services. These web standards support modern web development and usability practices, and apply stringent requirements for conformance to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended in 1998, which ensures access for people with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.

These approved web standards include requirements and best practices of the federal government, DOT, and the Office of the Chief Information Officer, and apply to all DOT and Operating Administration external websites.

• Accessibility: Section 508
• Broken Links and 404 Error Pages
• Customer Service/Feedback
• Distinguish Required Data Entry Fields
• Domains and Branding
• Empty Pages (“Under Construction”)
• External Link Icon and Disclaimer
• Information Quality
• Mandatory Content (including FOIA)
• Mobile Device/Agnostic
• Open Data/Government/Content
• Orphan Pages
• Performance Measurement and Reporting
• Plain Language Writing for the web
• Privacy and Identity Management
• Records Management
• Search Function
• Secure Connections (HTTPS, HSTS), Security, and Technology Standards
• Third Party Services and Social Media
• USDOT Web Design System
• User Submission Acknowledgement 
• Zip and Audio Files