PHMSA's Approvals and Permits Division is responsible for the issuance of DOT Special Permits and Approvals. A Special Permit sets forth alternative requirements, or variances, to the requirements in the HMR. Federal hazardous materials transportation law authorizes PHMSA to issue such variances in a way that achieves a safety level that is at least equal to the safety level required under Federal hazmat law or is consistent with the public interest if a required safety level does not exist. An approval is written consent, including a competent authority approval, from the Associate Administrator or other designated Department official, to perform a function that requires prior consent under the HMR.
Please contact the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety Approvals and Permits Division with questions by going to Contact Us.
Regulations & interpretations, proposed rules, approvals & permits, and bulletins for pipeline and hazmat safety.
PHMSA tracks data on the frequency of failures, incidents and accidents.
Incident forms, regional office contacts, and general information on PHMSA enforcement programs.
Get information and updates for PHMSA responses to National Transportation Safety Board recommendations.
Access forms for the Operator Registration System, hazmat registration, incident reporting and more.
Resources for the emergency response community including ERG and National Response Center hotline.
PHMSA projects to improve the safety and reliability of hazmat transportation by all modes, including pipelines.
PHMSA offers state grants through several programs and partnerships for pipeline and hazmat safety.