What the Government Shutdown Means for Transportation Enforcement

A funding lapse has shuttered parts of the federal government, but essential USDOT safety functions continue.

As of October 1^st, the federal government is in shutdown as Congress was unable to reach a funding agreement by the September 30^th appropriations deadline.

For CVTA members, the key point regarding enforcement is that essential DOT functions funded by the Highway Trust Fund or other non-annual-appropriation sources—including FMCSA, FHWA, and NHTSA—continue operating.

At FMCSA, core enforcement and oversight activities are considered essential and remain in place. This includes roadside inspections, compliance reviews, CDL oversight, Training Provider Registry (TPR) operations, and investigations into imminent dangers on the road. These programs are funded through the Highway Trust Fund, IIJA authority, and fee-based systems such as the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, insulating them from the shutdown’s immediate effects.

However, areas that rely on general fund appropriations may be slowed or temporarily suspended. This includes non-safety administrative functions, certain rulemakings, longer-term research, and discretionary grant programs. While day-to-day enforcement and driver training oversight are protected, members may experience delays in grant processing or broader regulatory initiatives if the shutdown continues.

Driver training, licensing, and safety enforcement programs continue without interruption, but prolonged gridlock could create delays in areas not directly tied to the Highway Trust Fund or fee-based operations.

CVTA will continue to monitor both congressional negotiations and DOT implementation and will provide timely updates if circumstances change.

If you are experiencing challenges relating to the shutdown, please contact Abrahm.Cleveland@CVTA.ORG to report them.