Legal Definitions - interpretative rule

An interpretative rule is a type of administrative rule that explains an agency's interpretation of a statute. This means that the agency is providing guidance on how it understands and applies the law.

For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may issue an interpretative rule explaining how it interprets a provision of the Clean Air Act. This rule would provide guidance to the public on how the EPA will enforce the law.

Interpretative rules are different from legislative rules, which are rules that have the force of law and are created through a formal rulemaking process. Interpretative rules do not have the force of law, but they can still be important because they provide guidance on how an agency will interpret and apply a statute.