For the first time since 2007, the FMCSA has adjusted the fines that truckers pay for various violations to account for inflation.
As you might expect, many of the fines have increased, but a few have stayed the same. You can take a look at the chart below to see exactly how specific fines have been adjusted.
The new penalties go into effect August 1.
| Violation | Former Fine | Updated Fine | |||
| Appendix A IV (a) Out-of-service order (operation of CMV by driver) | 2,100 | 3,100 | Pub. L. 98-554, sec. 213(b), 98 Stat. 2829, 2841-2843 (1984) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)), 55 FR 11224 (March 27, 1990). | ||
| Appendix A IV (b) Out-of-service order (requiring or permitting operation of CMV by driver) | 16,000 | 21,000 | Pub. L. 98-554, sec. 213(a), 98 Stat, 2829 (1984) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)), 55 FR 11224 (March 27, 1990). | ||
| Appendix A IV (c) Out-of-service order (operation by driver of CMV or intermodal equipment that was placed out of service) | 2,100 | 3,100 | Pub. L. 98-554, sec. 213(a), 98 Stat 2829 (1984) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)), 55 FR 11224 (March 27, 1990). | ||
| Appendix A IV (d) Out-of-service order (requiring or permitting operation of CMV or intermodal equipment that was placed out of service) | 16,000 | 21,000 | Pub. L. 98-554, sec. 213(a), 98 Stat 2829 (1984) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)), 55 FR 11224 (March 27, 1990). | ||
| Appendix A IV (e) Out-of-service order (failure to return written certification of correction) | 750 | 850 | 49 U.S.C. sec. 521 (b)(2)(B), 49 CFR 396.9 (d)(3). | ||
| Appendix A IV (g) Out-of-service order (failure to cease operations as ordered) | 25,000 | 25,000 | MAP-21, Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 32503, 126 Stat. 405, 803 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(F)). | ||
| Appendix A IV (h) Out-of-service order (operating in violation of order.) | 16,000 | 16,000 | Pub. L. 98-554, sec. 213(a), 98 Stat, 2829, 2841-2843 (1984) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)). | ||
| Appendix A IV (i) Out-of-service order (conducting operations during suspension or revocation for failure to pay penalties) | 11,000 | 16,000 | TEA-21, Pub. L. 105-178, sec. 4015(b), 112 Stat. 411-12 (1998) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A)), 521 (b)(7)), 65 FR 56521, 56530 (September 19, 2000). | ||
| Appendix A IV (j) (conducting operations during suspension or revocation) | 11,000 | 11,000 | Pub. L. 98-554, sec. 213(a), 98 Stat, 2829, 2841-2843 (1984) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)). | ||
| Appendix B (a)(1)* Recordkeeping—maximum penalty per day | 1,000 | 1,100 | SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59, sec. 4102 (a), 119 Stat. 1144, 1715 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B)(i)). | ||
| Appendix B (a)(1)* Recordkeeping—maximum total penalty | 10,000 | 11,000 | SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59, sec. 4102 (a), 119 Stat. 1144, 1715 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B)(i)). | ||
| Appendix B (a)(2)* Knowing falsification of records | 10,000 | 11,000 | SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59, sec. 4102 (a), 119 Stat. 1144, 1715 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B)(ii)). | ||
| Appendix B (a)(3) Non-recordkeeping violations | 11,000 | 16,000 | TEA-21, Pub. L. 105-178, sec. 4015(b), 112 Stat. 107, 411-12 (1998) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A)). | ||
| Appendix B (a)(4) Non-recordkeeping violations by drivers | 2,750 | 3,750 | TEA-21, Pub. L. 105-178, sec. 4015(b), 112 Stat. 107, 411-12 (1998) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A)). | ||
| Appendix B (a)(5)* Violation of 49 CFR 392.5 | 3,750 | 4,125 | SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1715; sec. 4102 (b), 119 Stat. 1715-16 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 31310 (i)(2)(A)). | ||
| Appendix B (b) Commercial driver’s license (CDL) violations | 3,750 | 4,750 | Pub. L. 99-570,sec. 12012(b), 100 Stat. 3207-184-85 (1986) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(C)). | ||
| Appendix B (b)(1)*M Special penalties pertaining to violation of out-of-service orders (first conviction) | 2,500 | 2,750 | SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59, sec. 4102(b), 119 Stat. 1144, 1715 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 31310 (i)(2)(A)). | ||
| Appendix B (b)(1)*M Special penalties pertaining to violation of out-of-service orders (second or subsequent conviction) | 5,000 | 5,500 | SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59, 119, sec. 4102 (b), Stat. 1144, 1715 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 31310 (i)(2)(A)). | ||
| Appendix B (b)(2) M Employer violations pertaining to knowingly allowing, authorizing employee violations of out-of-service order (minimum penalty) | 3,750 | 4,750 | Pub. L. 99-570, sec. 12012(b), 100 Stat. 3207,184-85 (1986) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(C)). | ||
| Appendix B (b)(2)*M Employer violations pertaining to knowingly allowing, authorizing employee violations of out-of-service order (maximum penalty) | 25,000 | 27,500 | SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59, sec. 4102 (b), 119 Stat. 1144, 1715 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 31310 (i)(2)(C)). | ||
| Appendix B (b)(3) M* Special penalties pertaining to railroad-highway grade crossing violations | 10,000 | 11,000 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 403(a), 109 Stat. 956 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 31310(j)(2)(B)). | ||
| Appendix B (d) Financial responsibility violations | 16,000 | 21,000 | Pub. L. 103-272, sec. 31139(f), 108 Stat. 745, 1006-1008 (1994) (49 U.S.C. 31139(g)(1)). | ||
| Appendix B (e)(1) Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (transportation or shipment of hazardous materials) | 75,000 | 75,000 | MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 33010, 126 Stat. 405, 837-838 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)). | ||
| Appendix B (e)(2) Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (training)—minimum penalty | 450 | 450 | MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 33010, 126 Stat. 405, 837 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(3)). | ||
| Appendix B (e)(2) Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (training)—maximum penalty | 75,000 | 75,000 | MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 33010 126 Stat. 405, 837 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)). | ||
| Appendix B (e)(3) Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (packaging or container) | 75,000 | 75,000 | MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 33010, 126 Stat. 405, 837, (2012) 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)). | ||
| Appendix B (e)(4) Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (compliance with FMCSRs) | 75,000 | 75,000 | MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 33010, 126 Stat. 405, 837 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)). | ||
| Appendix B (e)(5) Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (death, serious illness, severe injury to persons; destruction of property) | 175,000 | 175,000 | MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 33010, 126 Stat. 405, 837 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(2)). | ||
| Appendix B (f)(1) Operating after being declared unfit by assignment of a final “unsatisfactory” safety rating (generally) | 25,000 | 25,000 | MAP-21, Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 32503, 126 Stat. 405, 803 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(F)). | ||
| Appendix B (f)(2) Operating after being declared unfit by assignment of a final “unsatisfactory” safety rating (hazardous materials)—maximum penalty | 75,000 | 75,000 | MAP-21, Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 33010, 126 Stat. 405, 837 (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)). | ||
| Appendix B (f)(2) Operating after being declared unfit by assignment of a final “unsatisfactory” safety rating (hazardous materials)—maximum penalty if death, serious illness, severe injury to persons; destruction of property | 175,000 | 175,000 | MAP-21, Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 33010, 126 Stat. 405, 837 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(2)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(1) M Violations of the commercial regulations (CR) (property carriers) | 10,000 | 10,000 | MAP-21, Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 32108(a), 126 Stat. 405, 782 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14901(a)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(2) Violations of the CRs (brokers) | 10,000 | 10,000 | MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 32919(a), 126 Stat. 405, 827 (2012) (49 U.S.C. § 14916(c)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(3) Violations of the CRs (passenger carriers) | 25,000 | 25,000 | MAP-21, Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 32108(a), 126 Stat. 405, 782 (2012) (49 U.S.C. § 14901(a)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(4) Violations of the CRs (foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers) | 10,000 | 10,000 | MAP-21, Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 32108(a), 126 Stat. 405, 782 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14901(a)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(5) Violations of the CRs (foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers before implementation of North American Free Trade Agreement land transportation provisions)—maximum penalty for intentional violation | 11,000 | 16,000 | MCSIA of 1999, Pub. L. 106-59, sec. 219(b), 113 Stat. 1748, 1768 (1999) (49 U.S.C. 14901 note). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(5) Violations of the CRs (foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers before implementation of North American Free Trade Agreement land transportation provisions)—maximum penalty for a pattern of intentional violations | 32,500 | 37,500 | MCSIA of 1999, Pub. L. 106-59, sec. 219(c), 113 Stat. 1748, 1768 (1999) (49 U.S.C. 14901 note). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(6) Violations of the CRs (motor carrier or broker for transportation of hazardous wastes)—minimum penalty | 20,000 | 20,000 | MAP-21, Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 32108, 126 Stat. 405, 782 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14901(b)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(6) Violations of the CRs (motor carrier or broker for transportation of hazardous wastes)—maximum penalty | 40,000 | 40,000 | MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 32108, 126 Stat. 405,782 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14901(b)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(7) Violations of the CRs (HHG carrier or freight forwarder, or their receiver or trustee) | 1,100 | 1,100 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 914 (1995) (49 U.S.C. § 14901(d)(1)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(8) Violation of the CRs (weight of HHG shipment, charging for services)—minimum penalty for first violation | 2,200 | 3,200 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 914 (1995) (49 U.S.C. § 14901(e)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(8) Violation of the CRs (weight of HHG shipment, charging for services)—subsequent violations | 6,500 | 7,500 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 914 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14901(e)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(10) Tariff violations | 120,000 | 140,000 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 868-869, 915 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 13702, 14903). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(11) Additional tariff violations (rebates or concessions)—first violation | 220 | 320 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 915-916 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14904(a)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(11) Additional tariff violations (rebates or concessions)—subsequent violations | 275 | 375 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 915-916 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14904(a)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(12) Tariff violations (freight forwarders)—maximum penalty for first violation | 650 | 750 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 916 (49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(1)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(12) Tariff violations (freight forwarders)—maximum penalty for subsequent violations | 2,200 | 3,200 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 916 (1995) (49 U.S.C. § 14904(b)(1)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(13) service from freight forwarder at less than rate in effect—maximum penalty for first violation | 650 | 750 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 916 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(2)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(13) service from freight forwarder at less than rate in effect—maximum penalty for subsequent violation(s) | 2,200 | 3,200 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 916 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(2)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(14) Violations related to loading and unloading motor vehicles | 11,000 | 16,000 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 916 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14905). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(16) Reporting and recordkeeping under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B (except 13901 and 13902(c)—minimum penalty | 1,000 | 1,000 | MAP-21, Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 32108, 126 Stat. 405, 782 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14901). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(16) Reporting and recordkeeping under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B—maximum penalty | 6,500 | 7,500 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 916-917 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14907). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(17) Unauthorized disclosure of information | 2,200 | 3,200 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 917 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14908). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(18) Violation of 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B, or condition of registration | 650 | 750 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 917 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14910). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(21)(i)*M: Knowingly and willfully fails to deliver or unload HHG at destination | 10,000 | 11,000 | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-88, sec. 103, 100 Stat. 803, 916 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14905). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(22)* HHG broker estimate before entering into an agreement with a motor carrier | 10,000 | 10,900 | SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59, sec. 4209(2), 119 Stat. 1144, 1758, (2005) (49 U.S.C. 14901(d)(2)). | ||
| Appendix B (g)(23)* HHG transportation or broker services—registration requirement | 25,000 | 27,250 | SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59, sec. 4209(d)(3), 119 Stat. 1144, 1758 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 14901 (d)(3)). | ||
| Appendix B (h)* Copying of records and access to equipment, lands, and buildings—maximum penalty per day | 1,000 | 1,100 | SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59, sec. 4103(2), 119 Stat. 1144, 1716 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(E)). | ||
| Appendix B (h)* Copying of records and access to equipment, lands, and buildings—maximum total penalty | 10,000 | 11,000 | SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59, sec. 4103(2), 119 Stat. 1716 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(E)). | ||
| Appendix B (i)(1) M Evasion of regulations under 49 U.S.C. ch. 5, 51, subchapter III of 311 (except 31138 and 31139), 31302-31304, 31305(b), 31310(g)(1)(A), 31502—minimum penalty for first violation | 2,000 | 2,000 | MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 32505, 126 Stat. 405, 804 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 524). | ||
| Appendix B (i)(1) M Evasion of regulations under 49 U.S.C. ch. 5, 51, subchapter III of 311 (except 31138 and 31139), 31302-31304, 31305(b), 31310(g)(1)(A), 31502—maximum penalty for first violation | 5,000 | 5,000 | MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, § sec. 32505, 126 Stat. 405, 804 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 524). | ||
| Appendix B (i)(1) M Evasion of regulations under 49 U.S.C. ch. 5, 51, subchapter III of 311 (except 31138 and 31139), 31302-31304, 31305(b), 31310(g)(1)(A), 31502—minimum penalty for subsequent violation(s) | 2,500 | 2,500 | MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 32505, 126 Stat. 405, 804 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 524).MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, § 32505, 126 Stat. 405, 804 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 524). | ||
| Appendix B (i)(1) M Evasion of regulations under 49 U.S.C. ch. 5, 51, subchapter III of 311 (except 31138 and 31139), 31302-31304, 31305(b), 31310(g)(1)(A), 31502—maximum penalty for subsequent violation(s) | 7,500 | 7,500 | MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 32505, 126 Stat. 405, 804 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 524). | ||
| Appendix B (i)(2) M Evasion of regulations under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B—minimum penalty for first violation | 2,000 | 2,000 | MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 32505, 126 Stat. 405, 804 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14906). | ||
| Appendix B (i)(2) M Evasion of regulations under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B—minimum penalty for subsequent violation(s) | 5,000 | 5,000 | MAP-21 Pub. L. 112-141, sec. 32505, 126 Stat. 405, 804 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14906). |
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