---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 512.17"
title: "49"
number: "512.17"
heading: "How long should it take to determine whether information is entitled to confidential treatment?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/512.17"
---

# §512.17. How long should it take to determine whether information is entitled to confidential treatment?

- (a) When information claimed to be confidential is requested under the Freedom of Information Act, the determination will be made within twenty (20) working days after NHTSA receives such a request or within thirty (30) working days in unusual circumstances as provided under [5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(A)](/usc/5/552.md?p=a-6-A). However, these time periods may be extended by the Chief Counsel for good cause shown or on request from any person. An extension will be made in accordance with [5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(A)](/usc/5/552.md?p=a-6-A), and will be accompanied by a written statement setting out the reasons for the extension.
- (b) When information claimed to be confidential is not requested under the Freedom of Information Act, the determination of confidentiality will be made within a reasonable period of time, at the discretion of the Chief Counsel.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322; 5 U.S.C. 552; 49 U.S.C. 30166; 49 U.S.C. 30167; 49 U.S.C. 32307; 49 U.S.C. 32505; 49 U.S.C. 32708; 49 U.S.C. 32910; 49 U.S.C. 33116; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.

### Source

Source: 68 FR 44228, July 28, 2003, unless otherwise noted.