Document Headings

                    Document headings vary by document type but may contain                    the following:                  
                -                       the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document                    
                -                       the number of the CFR title and the number of each part                      the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly                      related to                    
                -                       the agency docket number / agency internal file number                    
                -                       the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in                      the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory                      Actions                    

                    See the                                          Document Drafting Handbook                                        for more details.                  

###### Department of Transportation

###### National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

          - 49 CFR Part 501
          - [Docket No. NHTSA-2009-0146; Notice 1]

# AGENCY:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

# ACTION:

Final rule.

# SUMMARY:

This document amends NHTSA's delegations of authority. The amendment effectuates an adjustment that will enable NHTSA to achieve its mission more effectively and efficiently.

# DATES:

*Effective Date:*                         The amendment is effective August 14, 2009.                    

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

You may contact Jessica Lang, Office of Chief Counsel, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, by phone at 202-366-5263, or by fax at 202-366-3820.

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

                    This final rule amends the regulation on delegation of powers and duties within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The amendment relates solely to the placement of the delegation of authority for a function within the agency. It increases the authority of the Chief Counsel to compromise civil penalties and monetary settlements. There is no substantive effect. Notice and the opportunity for comment are therefore not required under the Administrative Procedure Act. The amendment is effective immediately upon publication in the                     **Federal Register**                    . In addition, the amendment is not subject to Executive Order 12866, the Department of Transportation's regulatory policies and procedures, or the provisions for Congressional review of final rules in Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code.

# List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 501

      - Authorities
      - Delegations
      - Organization and functions
      - Succession to Administrator

In consideration of the foregoing, 49 CFR part 501 is amended as follows:

# PART 501—[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for part 501 continues to read as follows: 

Authority:49 U.S.C. secs. 105 and 322, delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.

Amendment effective August 14, 2009.

2. Section 501.8(d)(2) is revised to read as follows: 

§ 501.8 

* * * * *

(d)  * * * 

                            (2) Establish the legal sufficiency of all investigations and enforcement actions conducted under the authority of the following chapters, including notes, of Title 49 of the United States Code: Chapter 301; chapter 323; chapter 325; chapter 327; chapter 329; and chapter 331; to make an initial penalty demand based on a violations of any of these chapters; and to compromise any civil penalty or monetary settlement in an amount of $100,000 or less resulting                                   ( print page 41068)                                from a violation of any of these chapters.                        

* * * * *

Issued: August 7, 2009.

Ronald L. Medford,

Acting Deputy Administrator.

[FR Doc. E9-19480 Filed 8-13-09; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-59-P