The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to expedite the drafting of safety regulations for transportation sectors, including aviation, automotive, and pipeline industries. This initiative has sparked significant concern among DOT staff and industry experts, who question the reliability and safety implications of AI-generated regulatory documents.
In a December 2025 meeting attended by over 100 DOT employees, the agency’s acting Chief AI Officer demonstrated Google’s AI tool, Gemini, to illustrate its potential in drafting regulatory texts. The presentation suggested that Gemini could handle 80% to 90% of the drafting process, significantly reducing the time required to produce regulations. However, attendees noted that the AI-generated documents lacked critical components, such as the actual text for the Code of Federal Regulations. The presenter downplayed concerns about AI “hallucinations”—instances where AI generates incorrect or nonsensical information—implying that human staff would serve primarily as proofreaders to correct any errors. This approach left many staff members uneasy, with one attendee describing it as “wildly irresponsible.” ([truthout.org](https://truthout.org/articles/trumps-department-of-transportation-plans-to-use-ai-to-draft-new-regulations/?utm_source=openai))
Former acting Chief AI Officer Mike Horton criticized the plan, likening it to “having a high school intern that’s doing your rulemaking.” He emphasized the high stakes involved in transportation safety regulations, warning that a “go fast and break things” mentality could lead to serious harm. ([truthout.org](https://truthout.org/articles/trumps-department-of-transportation-plans-to-use-ai-to-draft-new-regulations/?utm_source=openai))
The DOT’s enthusiasm for AI integration aligns with its broader strategy to incorporate AI into various aspects of transportation. The department has outlined plans to adopt AI-based tools to improve internal operations, research, and public services. ([transportation.gov](https://www.transportation.gov/AI?utm_source=openai))
However, the application of AI in drafting safety regulations raises several legal and ethical concerns. AI systems are prone to biases and inaccuracies, which can result in flawed regulations. The legal community has already witnessed instances where reliance on AI-generated content led to professional sanctions. For example, a Colorado lawyer faced a 90-day suspension after submitting a motion drafted by ChatGPT that contained fabricated material. ([creatixblog.com](https://www.creatixblog.com/2025/12/professionals-are-being-sanctioned-for.html?utm_source=openai))
Moreover, AI’s tendency to produce authoritative-sounding but incorrect information poses significant risks in safety-critical contexts. Inaccurate AI-generated content in transportation regulations could lead to non-compliance with safety standards, potentially resulting in accidents or fatalities. ([jdsupra.com](https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/artificial-intelligence-for-the-safety-7334955/?utm_source=openai))
To mitigate these risks, experts recommend that AI companies report both pre- and post-mitigation safety evaluations to enable informed policy decisions. Evaluating models at both stages provides policymakers with essential evidence to regulate deployment, access, and safety standards. ([arxiv.org](https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.17388?utm_source=openai))
As the DOT continues to explore AI applications, it faces the challenge of balancing innovation with safety and reliability. The department’s commitment to integrating AI must be tempered with rigorous oversight and adherence to established safety protocols to ensure that the benefits of AI do not come at the expense of public safety.