# 34 C.F.R. § 86.404 (2026): How may a party communicate with an ALJ?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T34_P86_S86_404

## Section

- **Citation:** 34 C.F.R. § 86.404 (2026)
- **Heading:** How may a party communicate with an ALJ?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 34 CFR: Education / Part 86: DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION / Subpart E: Appeal Procedures / § 86.404: § 86.404   How may a party communicate with an ALJ?

## Text

(a) A party may not communicate with an ALJ on any fact at issue in the case or on any matter relevant to the merits of the case unless the other party is given notice and an opportunity to participate.
(b)(1) To obtain an order or ruling from an ALJ, a party shall make a motion to the ALJ.
(2) Except for a request for an extension of time, a motion must be made in writing unless the parties appear in person or participate in a conference telephone call. The ALJ may require a party to reduce an oral motion to writing.
(3) If a party files a written motion, the party shall do so in accordance with § 86.405.
(4) Except for a request for an extension of time, the ALJ may not grant a party's written motion without the consent of the other party unless the other party has had at least 21 days from the date of service of the motion to respond. However, the ALJ may deny a motion without awaiting a response.
(5) The date of service of a motion is determined by the standards for determining a filing date in § 86.405(d).
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1145g)

## Nearby sections

- [34 C.F.R. § 86.400 (2026) § 86.400   What is the scope of this subpart?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T34_P86_S86_400.md)
- [34 C.F.R. § 86.401 (2026) § 86.401   What are the authority and responsibility of the ALJ?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T34_P86_S86_401.md)
- [34 C.F.R. § 86.402 (2026) § 86.402   Who may be a party in a hearing under this subpart?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T34_P86_S86_402.md)
- [34 C.F.R. § 86.403 (2026) § 86.403   May a party be represented by counsel?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T34_P86_S86_403.md)
- [34 C.F.R. § 86.404 (2026) § 86.404   How may a party communicate with an ALJ?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T34_P86_S86_404.md)
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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T34_P86_S86_404. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.