Terms of Service for Registered User

FMCSA Data Repository Website: fmcsadatarepository.vtti.vt.edu

By registering for basic login access to the FMCSA Data Repository Website, (“Website”), you are deemed a “registered user” (“User”). The terms “Website,” “Virginia Tech” are synonymous in this Terms of Service agreement. To that extent, there are obligations and expectations accompanying access to this site as a User:

• User status allows access to publicly available data containing no personally identifying information
• User status allows to project background information
• Usage statistics such as number of logins, page hits, etc. are tracked to the individual ID

A registered user who presents valid Institutional Review Board (IRB) training documentation may also be deemed a “qualified researcher” (“Researcher”). To that extent, there are obligations and expectations accompanying access to this site as a qualified researcher:

• User registration and upload of valid IRB training certificate required. To complete the application, the User must provide proof of training in the protection of human subjects (IRB training certificate, research ethics board training certificate, or equivalent). Researcher qualifications should include familiarity with use of confidential or proprietary data using human research participants.
• Researcher status allows broader access to individual datasets and dataset records. Researchers status also allows access to PII under certain conditions. Researchers should consult the background information for each dataset for specific PII-access conditions, when applicable.

In addition, by accepting these Terms of Service, the User agrees to the following obligations and expectations:

• The User should check with their IRB, Research Ethics Board (REB), or ethics board to see if approval is required before beginning analysis. Some data are de-identified, but were collected from human subjects. Some IRBs require that these research protocols undergo IRB review, while others do not.
• The sharing of account credentials is prohibited.
• Permitted use. Use of any automated system or software to extract data from this website for purposes of data accumulation (“screen scraping”), data aggregation, data download, database duplication, or local storage of data is expressly prohibited. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute reserves its right to take preventative and/or punitive action as it considers necessary, including issuing legal proceedings without further notice, in relation to any unauthorized use of this website.
• Unauthorized Reproduction. The entire content of this website is copyrighted to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and should never be reproduced, copied, or downloaded to another website or data storage location without written authorization from FMCSA.
• Unauthorized Usage. The website provides a user interface that allows users to review and interact with the available data. Use of automated scripts, bots, or manual methods of interacting with the website and data servers for purposes of data extraction is prohibited.
• The User agrees not to attempt to learn the identity of research participants represented in these datasets by any means.
• If the User discovers identifying information or data in a dataset that was intended to be non-identifying, he/she agrees to inform VTTI that the identifying information is on the website so it can be removed or de-identified.
• The User agrees not to use data for purposes other than research. The only exception to this term of service is that persons holding a properly executed data use license are allowed to demonstrate the FMCSA Data Repository website, at scientific and technical conferences, meetings, and symposia.
• The User agrees to properly acknowledge the source of the data in any reports or articles resulting from the use of the database and describe how the data were helpful in the research. Appropriate citations for each study will be available in the background information for each project.
• Please do not make any statements that suggest that the researchers or the conclusions were approved by VTTI or FMCSA. In addition, the following disclaimer should be included at the conclusion of any publication:

  'This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) in the interest of information exchange. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for the use of the information contained in this document. The contents of this report reflect the views of the contractor, who is responsible for the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the USDOT. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The U.S. Government does not endorse products or manufacturers named herein. Trademarks or manufacturers’ names appear in this report only because they are considered essential to the objective of this report. '

• The User agrees to not abuse data download privileges by repeatedly requesting data or by downloading all datasets without specific research purpose.
• The User agrees to not distribute the data to other entities or to post it in a public forum.
• We reserve the right to change these terms of service from time to time as needed
• The Website reserves the right to suspend or delete User login and account at any time for cause or no cause.
• The Website does not provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this Website for any particular purpose. You, the User, acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.
• The Website contains material which is owned by or licensed to the Website and/or FMCSA. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited.
• The User agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Virginia Tech, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and FMCSA for any and all claims and actions related to this Website, Terms of Service, and use of any information or data therein.
• From time to time this Website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). The Website has no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s).
• You, the User, do not have any ownership interest in the Website, the data on the Website, or the software utilized thereon.
• Any and all claims relate to this Website, Terms of Service, and use of any information shall be brought in a Court of the Commonwealth of Virginia and shall be governed by Virginia law, notwithstanding any conflicts of law provisions.
• The Website does not warrant that the Website and data it provides will be available at all times. The Website may conduct maintenance of the site and make the site unavailable. Additionally, the Website may be closed permanently or temporarily at the discretion of the Website, Virginia Tech, and FMCSA.

For written inquiries:

FMCSA Data Repository
c/o Rebecca Hammond
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
3500 Transportation Research Plaza
Blacksburg, VA 24061