Availability of informal guidance and interpretive assistance.

(a) Availability of telephonic and Internet assistance. (1) RSPA has a toll-free, telephonic information line which provides answers to inquiries by small entities and other parties concerning information on and advice about compliance with the hazardous materials regulations, 49 CFR parts 171-180. The information line is staffed from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. When the information line is not staffed, callers may leave a recorded message, which will be answered by the end of the next business day. The telephone numbers for the information line are: 1-800-HMR-4922 (that is; 1-800-467-4922 toll free), or 202-366-4488 (in the Washington, D.C. area). Additionally, information may be obtained from the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety via the Internet at http://hazmat.dot.gov.

(2) RSPA's Office of the Chief Counsel (OCC) is available to answer questions concerning Federal hazardous material transportation law, 49 USC 5101 et seq. and Federal preemption of state, local and Indian tribe hazardous material transportation requirements. OCC may be contacted by telephone (202-366-4400) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Information and guidance concerning Federal hazardous material transportation law and preemption may also be obtained by contacting OCC via the Internet at http://rspa-atty.dot.gov.

(b) Availability of Written Interpretations. (1) A written regulatory clarification, response to a question, or an opinion concerning hazardous materials offering, transporting, or packaging requirements may be obtained by submitting a written request to the RSPA Office of Hazardous Materials Standards (DHM-10), U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. The requestor must include his or her return address and should also include a daytime telephone number.

(2) A written interpretation regarding Federal hazardous material transportation law, 49 USC 5101 et seq., may be obtained from the Office of the Chief Counsel (DCC-1) RSPA, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. The requestor must include his or her return address and should also include a daytime telephone number.

[62 FR 24057, May 2, 1997 as amended at 62 FR 34415, June 26, 1997; 64 FR 51914, Sept. 27, 1999; 65 FR 58618, Sept. 29, 2000]