What is a special permit?

A special permit is a document issued by the Associate Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The special permit allows a person to perform a function that is not allowed in the Hazardous Materials Regulations.

Such special permits are based on the applicant(s) ability to demonstrate that the special permit achieves a level of safety at least equal to that required by the regulations, or if a required safety level does not exist, is consistent with the public interest.