[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 49, Volume 1] [Revised as of October 1, 2003] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 49CFR5.31] [Page 50] TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Transportation PART 5_RULEMAKING PROCEDURES--Table of Contents Subpart C_Procedures Sec. 5.31 Hearings. (a) Sections 556 and 557 of title 5, United States Code, do not apply to hearings held under this part. As a fact-finding proceeding, each hearing is nonadversary and there are no formal pleadings or adverse parties. Any rule issued in a case in which a hearing is held is not necessarily based exclusively on the record of the hearing. (b) The Secretary designates a representative to conduct any hearing held under this part. The General Counsel designates a member of his staff to serve as legal officer at the hearing.