WASHINGTON — A Transportation Department official says Toyota is expected to agree to a fine of more than $16 million for a four-month delay in telling the government about defective gas pedals on its vehicles.

Toyota faces a deadline today to accept or contest a record $16.4 million fine over evidence it knew about sticking gas pedals in September but did not issue a recall until January.

The transportation official was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

5 AIRLINES PROMISE TO KEEP CARRY-ONS FREE

ATLANTA — Five major carriers yesterday agreed not to follow Spirit Airlines' plans to charge for carry-on bags. Their commitment comes just in time to keep travelers from running for the exits during the peak summer flying season.

The promise to New York Sen. Charles Schumer from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, US Airways and JetBlue Airways comes despite the fact that some of those same airlines are expected to report first-quarter losses next week.

COUNTRYWIDE TARGETED IN CRIMINAL PROBE

NEW YORK — The Wall Street Journal is reporting that federal authorities are picking up the pace in a criminal investigation of former mortgage giant Countrywide Financial Corp. and its role in the meltdown in 2007 and 2008 of the U.S. housing and finance industries.

The newspaper cited anonymous sources in reporting that one of several federal investigations now under way is a criminal probe of Countrywide. The paper didn't offer details on what charges could emerge.