U.S. FMCSA hikes fines for non-compliance

WASHINGTON (April 1, 2003, via truckinginfo.com) — The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has made inflation adjustments to penalties for non-compliance with federal safety rules.

Effective now, a CDL holder who is convicted of violating an out-of-service order is subject to fines from $2,100 to $3,750 per incident (all figures US). Previously the range was $1,100 to $2,750. An employer who knowingly allows, requires, permits or authorizes an employee to violate an out-of-service order faces a civil penalty of $3,750 to $16,000 — up from $2,750 to $11,000.

Motor carriers that fail to maintain required insurance are subject to a maximum penalty of $16,000 per day. Violations of other safety regulations carry penalties up to $11,000 for carriers and $2,750 for drivers. Fines for recordkeeping violations range from $550 to $5,500. Violations of hazardous materials safety regulations carry fines from $275 to $32,500 per incident.

FMCSA says the last inflation adjustments were done in 1998.

A more complete list of the new fees, along with an explanation of the adjustments and calculations was published in the March 31 Federal Register, which can be accessed at www.nara.gov/fedreg.


Have your say


This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.

*