49 U.S.C. § 322

General powers

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(a) The Secretary of Transportation may prescribe regulations to carry out the duties and powers of the Secretary. An officer of the Department of Transportation may prescribe regulations to carry out the duties and powers of the officer.(b) The Secretary may delegate, and authorize successive delegations of, duties and powers of the Secretary to an officer or employee of the Department. An officer of the Department may delegate, and authorize successive delegations of, duties and powers of the officer to another officer or employee of the Department. However, the duties and powers specified in sections 103(c)(1),11 See References in Text note below. 104(c)(1), and 106(g)(1) 1 of this title may not be delegated to an officer or employee outside the Administration concerned.(c) On a reimbursable basis when appropriate, the Secretary may, in carrying out aviation duties and powers—(1) use the available services, equipment, personnel, and facilities of other civilian or military departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government, with their consent;(2) cooperate with those departments, agencies, and instrumentalities in establishing and using aviation services, equipment, and facilities of the Department; and(3) confer and cooperate with, and use the services, records, and facilities of, State, territorial, municipal, and other agencies.(d) The Secretary may make expenditures to carry out aviation duties and powers, including expenditures for—(1) rent and personal services;(2) travel expenses;(3) office furniture, equipment, supplies, lawbooks, newspapers, periodicals, and reference books, including exchanges;(4) printing and binding;(5) membership in and cooperation with domestic or foreign organizations related to, or a part of, the civil aeronautics industry or the art of aeronautics;(6) payment of allowances and other benefits to employees stationed in foreign countries to the same extent authorized for members of the Foreign Service of comparable grade;(7) investigations and studies about aeronautics; and(8) acquiring, exchanging, operating, and maintaining passenger-carrying aircraft and automobiles and other property.(e) The Secretary may negotiate, without advertising, the purchase of technical or special property related to air navigation when the Secretary decides that—(1) making the property would require a substantial initial investment or an extended period of preparation; and(2) procurement by advertising would likely result in additional cost to the Government by duplication of investment or would result in duplication of necessary preparation that would unreasonably delay procuring the property.(Pub. L. 97–449, § 1(b), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2422.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
322(a)	49:1657(e)(1) (last 19 words), (2) (last 19 words), (f), (g).	Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, § 9(e)–(g), 80 Stat. 944.
322(b)	49:1344(d) (less words after semicolon).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, §§ 302(k), 303(a), (d) (less words after semicolon), 80 Stat. 747, 749.
	49:1657(e)(1) (less last 19 words), (2) (less last 19 words), (3).
	5 App. U.S.C.	Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1968, eff. July 1, 1968, § 2, 82 Stat. 1369.
322(c)	49:1343(i).
322(d)	49:1344(a).
322(e)	49:1344(e).	Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, § 303(e); added May 21, 1970, Pub. L. 91–258, § 51(a)(1), 84 Stat. 234; July 12, 1976, Pub. L. 94–353, § 16, 90 Stat. 882; Oct. 19, 1980, Pub. L. 96–470, § 112(e), 94 Stat. 2240.

In the chapter, the words “Secretary of Transportation” and “Secretary” are substituted for “Administrator” in the provisions of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731) restated in the revised chapter because of the transfer of aviation functions to the Secretary under 49:1655(c)(1).

In subsection (a), the words “may prescribe regulations to carry out the duties and powers” are substituted for “may make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out . . . functions, powers, and duties” for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words. The text of 49:1657(f) and (g) is omitted as executed because the transfer of personnel, assets, and liabilities, etc., has been accomplished.

In subsection (b), the words “Except where this chapter vests in any administration, agency or board, specific functions, powers, and duties” before “the Secretary may” in 49:1657(e)(1) are omitted because of the specific wording of sections 103, 104, and 106 of the revised title. The words “in addition to the authority to delegate and redelegate contained in any other Act in the exercise of the functions transferred to or vested in the Secretary in this chapter” before “delegate” in 49:1657(e)(1) are omitted because the authority of the Secretary to delegate is consolidated in the subsection. The words “the duties and powers of the Secretary” are substituted for “any of his residual functions, powers, and duties” in 49:1657(e)(1) and “any of the functions transferred to him by this reorganization plan” in section 2 of Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1968 (eff. July 1, 1968, 82 Stat. 1369), for clarity and consistency. The words “as he may designate” and “of such functions, powers, and duties as he may deem desirable” are omitted as surplus each place they appear in 49:1657(e)(1) and (2). The text of section 322(b) (1st sentence) of the revised title is substituted for 49:1344(d) (less words after semicolon) for clarity and because of the transfer of aviation functions to the Secretary of Transportation under 49:1655(c)(1). The text of 49:1657(e)(2) (words before 2d comma) is omitted as unnecessary because the authority of an officer to delegate is consolidated in the subsection. The words “the duties and powers of the officer” are substituted for “such functions, powers, and duties” in 49:1657(e)(2) for clarity and consistency. The words “the duties and powers specified in sections 103(c)(1), 104(c)(1), and 106(g)(1) of this title” are substituted for “any of the statutory duties and responsibilities specifically assigned to them by this chapter” in 49:1657(e)(3) for clarity. The words “may not be delegated to an officer or employee outside the Administration concerned” are substituted for “The Administrators established by section 1652(e) of this title . . . may not delegate . . . outside of their respective administrations” in 49:1657(e)(3) for clarity and because of the restatement of the section.

In subsection (c), before clause (1), the words “aviation duties and powers” are added because the source provisions being restated only applies to carrying out duties and powers related to the Federal Aviation Administration. In clause (2), the words “those departments, agencies, and instrumentalities” are substituted for “such other agencies and instrumentalities” in 49:1343(i) for clarity and consistency. The words “aviation . . . Department” are substituted for “Administration” in 49:1343(i) because of the transfer of aviation functions to the Secretary under 49:1655(c)(1).

In subsection (d), before clause (1), the words “aviation duties and powers” are substituted for “for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties vested in and imposed upon him by law” in 49:1344(a) because the source provisions being restated only applies to carrying out duties and powers related to the Federal Aviation Administration. The words “at the seat of government and elsewhere as may be necessary” after “expenditures” and “and as from time to time may be appropriated for by Congress” are omitted as surplus. In clause (8), the words “passenger-carrying aircraft and automobiles” are substituted for “passenger-carrying automobiles and aircraft” in 49:1344(a) for clarity. The words “such . . . as is necessary in the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of the Secretary” after “aircraft” in 49:1344(a) are omitted as unnecessary because of the restatement of the section. The text of 49:1344(a) (proviso) is omitted as unnecessary.

In subsection (e), before clause (1), the words “or in support of” are omitted as surplus. In clause (1), the words “making the property” are substituted for “for manufacture” for clarity. In clause (2), the word “formal” is omitted as unnecessary. The word “unreasonably” is substituted for “unduly” for consistency.

Editorial NotesReferences in Text

Section 103(c)(1) of this title, referred to in subsec. (b), was struck out by Pub. L. 110–432, div. A, title I, § 101, Oct. 16, 2008, 122 Stat. 4851. Provisions similar to those contained in former subsec. (c)(1) of section 103 are now contained in subsec. (g)(1) of section 103.

Section 106(g)(1) of this title, referred to in subsec. (b), was struck out by Pub. L. 118–63, title II, § 204(b), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1041. Provisions similar to those contained in former subsec. (g)(1) of section 106 are now contained in subsec. (f)(3)(A)(i) of section 106.

Statutory Notes and Related SubsidiariesElectronic Signatures

Pub. L. 115–271, title VIII, § 8108(c), Oct. 24, 2018, 132 Stat. 4107, provided that: “Not later than 18 months after the date of the deadline under subsection (a)(2) [section 8108(a)(2) of Pub. L. 115–271, set out in a note under section 7301 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees], the Secretary of Transportation shall issue a final rule revising part 40 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to authorize, to the extent practicable, the use of electronic signatures or digital signatures executed to electronic forms instead of traditional handwritten signatures executed on paper forms.”

Availability of Receipts From Fitness Centers For Operation and Maintenance of Facilities

Pub. L. 106–69, title III, § 329, Oct. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1021, provided that: “Hereafter, notwithstanding any other provision of law, receipts, in amounts determined by the Secretary, collected from users of fitness centers operated by or for the Department of Transportation shall be available to support the operation and maintenance of those facilities.”

Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, § 101(g) [title III, § 332], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–439, 2681–471.

Pub. L. 105–66, title III, § 332, Oct. 27, 1997, 111 Stat. 1447.

Pub. L. 104–205, title III, § 344, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 2976.

Executive DocumentsExecutive Order No. 11382

Ex. Ord. No. 11382, Nov. 28, 1967, 32 F.R. 16247, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11428, Sept. 5, 1968, 33 F.R. 12719, upon establishment of Department of Transportation amended and revoked certain executive orders relating to transportation, and, in addition to any other authority, authorized Secretary of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administrator to redelegate and authorize successive redelegations of any authority conferred in the order or the orders amended by it.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 207 cases (5 in the last 5 years), 1936–2022 · leading case: Jeffers v. United States, 432 U.S. 137 (1977).

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Jeffers v. United States, 432 U.S. 137 (1977). · cites it 2× “§ 1227 (Merchant Marine Actagreements with other carriers forbidden); 49 U. S. C. § 322 (b) (1) (Interstate Commerce Act, Part IIunlawful operation of motor carriers).”

United States v. a & P Trucking Co., 358 U.S. 121 (1958). · cites it 7× “" Appellee A & P Trucking Company was also charged with numerous violations of 49 U. S. C. § 322 (a) (§ 222 (a) of the Motor Carrier Act of 1935).”

Halverson, Paul D. v. Slater, Rodney E., 129 F.3d 180 (D.C. Cir. 1997). · cites it 3× “The appellee, the Secretary, responds that delegation to the Corporation is proper: (1) an alternative source of delegation power, 49 U.S.C. § 322 (b), supports the delegation; (2) the Corporation has authority to accept and discharge the “essentially economic” responsibilities…”

California v. Zook, 336 U.S. 725 (1949). · cites it 4× “564 , 49 U.S.C. § 322 (a). APPENDIX C. Summary of conflicts between California and federal legislation and policies.”

United States v. Lawrence Victor Miller, A/K/A Larry Miller, 588 F.2d 1256 (9th Cir. 1979). · cites it 3× “FACTS On August 27, 1974, the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) filed a civil action against Larry Miller, Kern River Valley Growers Agricultural Cooperative, and other defendants to enjoin them from transporting property for compensation on public highways without obtaining…”

Baggett Transp. Co. v. Hughes Transp., Inc., & Interstate Com. Comm'n, 393 F.2d 710 (8th Cir. 1968). · cites it 6× “, plaintiff-appellee, a competing motor common carrier, such action being instituted pursuant to 49 U.S.C.A. § 322 (b) (2); Pub.L. 89-170, 79 Stat.”

Shapiro v. United States, 335 U.S. 1 (1948). · cites it 2× “, Motor Carrier Act of 1935, 49 U.S.C. § 322 (d). In statutes such as these, where Congress validly distinguishes required records from private papers, with respect to the availability of the required documents as evidence in criminal or other proceedings to enforce the statute…”

Zeller v. United States, 467 F. Supp. 487 (E.D.N.Y 1979). · cites it 3× “§ 1361 compelling the individually named defendants to perform their statutory duties under the PA by preventing unauthorized issuance or disclosure of the press release, and in Count V, actual damages for wrongful disclosure of information by an ICC agent in violation of 49…”

United States v. Alky Enter., Inc., 969 F.2d 1309 (1st Cir. 1992). · cites it 3× “The difference in roles was made clear in the language of the pre-1978 version of the Act, 49 U.S.C. §§ 322 (b) and 322(h) (repealed 1978).”

United States v. Photogrammetric Data Servs., Inc., United States of Am. v. David G. Webb, 259 F.3d 229 (4th Cir. 2001). “§ 1020 , or a properly-authorized delegee of the Secretary, see 49 U.S.C.A. § 322 (b) (West 1997) (providing that the Secretary of Transportation “may delegate, and authorize successive delegations of, duties and powers of the Secretary to an officer or employee of the…”

Leonard Bros. Trucking Co. v. United States, 301 F. Supp. 893 (S.D. Fla. 1969). · cites it 8× “in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Southwestern Division, under the so-called “self-help” provisions of section 222(b) (2) of the Interstate Commerce Act, 49 U.S.C.A. § 322 (b) (2), seeking to enjoin Interna *895 tional from transporting…”

De La Fuente Ex Rel. De La Fuente v. Interstate Com. Comm'n, 451 F. Supp. 867 (N.D. Ill. 1978). · cites it 3× “§§ 1331 , 1337, 1361, 2201-02; and 49 U.S.C. § 322 (b)(2). The cause is before the court on the motion of the three private defendants under Rule 12(b)(3), Fed.”

Show all 207 citing cases →

— 49 U.S.C. § 322(a) — 2 cases

United States v. Krapf, 180 F. Supp. 886 (D.N.J. 1960).

United States v. Canada, 105 F. Supp. 126 (D. Neb. 1951).

— 49 U.S.C. § 322(b) — 9 cases

Interstate Com. Comm'n v. F & F Truck Leasing Co., 78 F. Supp. 13 (D. Minnesota 1948).

Interstate Com. Comm'n v. Serv. Trucking Co., Inc, 186 F.2d 400 (3rd Cir. 1951).

Interstate Com. Comm'n v. Dudgeon, 213 F. Supp. 710 (S.D. Cal. 1961).

Leonard Bros. Trucking Co. v. United States, 301 F. Supp. 893 (S.D. Fla. 1969). “in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Southwestern Division, under the so-called “self-help” provisions of section 222(b) (2) of the Interstate Commerce Act, 49 U.S.C.A. § 322 (b) (2), seeking to enjoin Interna *895 tional from transporting…”

Tri-State Motor Transit Co. v. Int'l Transp., Inc., 343 F. Supp. 588 (W.D. Mo. 1972).

— 49 U.S.C. § 322(b)(2) — 1 case

Schenck Transp., Inc. v. Inter-Cnty. Motor Coach, Inc., 350 F. Supp. 306 (E.D.N.Y 1972).

— 49 U.S.C. § 322(g) — 1 case

United States v. Sawyer Transp., Inc., 337 F. Supp. 29 (D. Minnesota 1971).

Annotations are extracted automatically from the opinions in the Syfert caselaw corpus and ranked by authority, recency, and treatment. Dots show Syfertize treatment of the citing case itself.