The FMCSA has announced that they will be increasing the fines for trucking regulation violations in order to adjust for inflation.
The commercial vehicle regulation violation penalties will be increased by 0.16% across the board to account for inflation. Federal regulations require the FMCSA to increase or decrease the penalty amounts each year for inflation. Under the new penalty schedule, an out of service violation penalty would increase from $1782 to $1811.
The Final Rule increasing the penalties goes into effect on April 24, 2017.
You can take a look at the new penalty schedule in the two tables below.
| Civil penalty location | Legal authority | Current penalty | Annually adjusted penalty (current penalty × 1.01636) |
|---|---|---|---|
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) |
| Appendix A II Subpoena | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 32110 126 Stat. 405, 782, (2012) (49 U.S.C. 525) | $1,028 | $1,045 |
| Appendix A II Subpoena | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 32110, 126 Stat. 405, 782 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 525) | 10,282 | 10,450 |
| Appendix A IV (a) Out-of-service order (operation of CMV by driver) | Public Law 98-554, 213(b), 98 Stat. 2829, 2841-2843 (1984) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)), 55 FR 11224 (March 27, 1990) | 1,782 | 1,811 |
| Appendix A IV (b) Out-of-service order (requiring or permitting operation of CMV by driver) | Public Law 98-554, 213(a), 98 Stat. 2829 (1984) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)), 55 FR 11224 (March 27, 1990) | 17,816 | 18,107 |
| Appendix A IV (c) Out-of-service order (operation by driver of CMV or intermodal equipment that was placed out of service) | Public Law 98-554, 213(a), 98 Stat 2829 (1984) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)), FR 11224 (March 27, 1990) | 1,782 | 1,811 |
| Appendix A IV (d) Out-of-service order (requiring or permitting operation of CMV or intermodal equipment that was placed out of service) | Public Law 98-554, 213(a), 98 Stat 2829 (1984) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)); 55 FR 11224 (March 27, 1990) | 17,816 | 18,107 |
| Appendix A IV (e) Out-of-service order (failure to return written certification of correction) | 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B), 49 CFR 396.9(d)(3) | 891 | 906 |
| Appendix A IV (g) Out-of-service order (failure to cease operations as ordered) | MAP-21, Public Law 112-141, 32503, 126 Stat. 405, 803 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(F)) | 25,705 | 26,126 |
| Appendix A IV (h) Out-of-service order (operating in violation of order) | Public Law 98-554, 213(a), 98 Stat, 2829, 2841-2843 (1984) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)) | 22,587 | 22,957 |
| Appendix A IV (i) Out-of-service order (conducting operations during suspension or revocation for failure to pay penalties) | TEA-21, Public Law 105-178, 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) | 14,502 | 14,739 |
| Appendix A IV (j) (conducting operations during suspension or revocation) | Public Law 98-554, 213(a), 98 Stat, 2829, 2841-2843 (1984) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)) | 22,587 | 22,957 |
| Civil penalty location | Legal authority | Current penalty | Annually adjusted penalty (current penalty × 1.01636) |
|---|---|---|---|
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) |
| Appendix B (a)(1) Recordkeeping—maximum penalty per day | SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59, 4102(a), 119 Stat. 1144, 1715 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B)(i)) | $1,194 | $1,214 |
| Appendix B (a)(1) Recordkeeping—maximum total penalty | SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59, 4102(a), 119 Stat. 1144, 1715 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B)(i)) | 11,940 | 12,135 |
| Appendix B (a)(2) Knowing falsification of records | SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59, 4102(a), 119 Stat. 1144, 1715 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B)(ii)) | 11,940 | 12,135 |
| Appendix B (a)(3) Non-recordkeeping violations | TEA-21, Public Law 105-178, 4015(b), 112 Stat. 107, 411-12 (1998) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A)) | 14,502 | 14,739 |
| Appendix B (a)(4) Non-recordkeeping violations by drivers | TEA-21, Public Law 105-178, 4015(b), 112 Stat. 107, 411-12 (1998) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A)) | 3,626 | 3,685 |
| Appendix B (a)(5) Violation of 49 CFR 392.5 (first offense) | SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1715; 4102(b), 119 Stat. 1715-16 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 31310(i)(2)(A)) | 2,985 | 3,034 |
| Appendix B (a)(5) Violation of 49 CFR 392.5 (second or subsequent conviction) | SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1715; 4102(b), 119 Stat. 1715-16 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 31310(i)(2)(A)) | 5,970 | 6,068 |
| Appendix B (b) Commercial driver’s license (CDL) violations | Public Law 99-570, 12012(b), 100 Stat. 3207-184-85 (1986) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(C)) | 5,391 | 5,479 |
| Appendix B (b)(1): Special penalties pertaining to violation of out-of-service orders (first conviction) | SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59, 4102(b), 119 Stat. 1144, 1715 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 31310(i)(2)(A)) | 2,985 | 3,034 |
| Appendix B (b)(1) Special penalties pertaining to violation of out-of-service orders (second or subsequent conviction) | SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59, 119, 4102(b), Stat. 1144, 1715 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 31310(i)(2)(A)) | 5,970 | 6,068 |
| Appendix B (b)(2) Employer violations pertaining to knowingly allowing, authorizing employee violations of out-of-service order (minimum penalty) | Public Law 99-570, 12012(b), 100 Stat. 3207-184-85 (1986) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(C)) | 5,391 | 5,479 |
| Appendix B (b)(2) Employer violations pertaining to knowingly allowing, authorizing employee violations of out-of-service order (maximum penalty) | SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59, 4102(b), 119 Stat. 1144, 1715 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 31310 (i)(2)(C)) | 29,849 | 30,337 |
| Appendix B (b)(3) Special penalties pertaining to railroad-highway grade crossing violations | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 403(a), 109 Stat. 956 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 31310(j)(2)(B)) | 15,474 | 15,727 |
| Appendix B (d) Financial responsibility violations | Public Law 103-272, 31139(f), 108 Stat. 745, 1006-1008 (1994) (49 U.S.C. 31139(g)(1)) | 15,909 | 16,169 |
| Appendix B (e)(1) Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (transportation or shipment of hazardous materials) | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 33010, 126 Stat. 405, 837-838 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)) | 77,114 | 78,376 |
| Appendix B (e)(2) Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (training)—minimum penalty | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 33010, 126 Stat. 405, 837 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(3)) | 463 | 471 |
| Appendix B (e)(2): Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (training)—maximum penalty | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 33010 126 Stat. 405, 837 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)) | 77,114 | 78,376 |
| Appendix B (e)(3) Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (packaging or container) | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 33010, 126 Stat. 405, 837, (2012) 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)) | 77,114 | 78,376 |
| Appendix B (e)(4): Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (compliance with FMCSRs) | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 33010, 126 Stat. 405, 837 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)) | 77,114 | 78,376 |
| Appendix B (e)(5) Violations of Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (death, serious illness, severe injury to persons; destruction of property) | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 33010, 126 Stat. 405, 837 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(2)) | 179,933 | 182,877 |
| Appendix B (f)(1) Operating after being declared unfit by assignment of a final “unsatisfactory” safety rating (generally) | MAP-21, Public Law 112-141, 32503, 126 Stat. 405, 803 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(F)) | 25,705 | 26,126 |
| Appendix B (f)(2) Operating after being declared unfit by assignment of a final “unsatisfactory” safety rating (hazardous materials)—maximum penalty | MAP-21, Public Law 112-141, 33010, 126 Stat. 405, 837 (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)) | 77,114 | 78,376 |
| 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 | MAP-21, Public Law 112-141, 33010, 126 Stat. 405, 837 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(2)) | 179,933 | 182,877 |
| Appendix B (g)(1) New Appendix B (g)(1): Violations of the commercial regulations (CR) (property carriers) | MAP-21, Public Law 112-141, 32108(a), 126 Stat. 405, 782 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14901(a)) | 10,282 | 10,450 |
| Appendix B (g)(2) Violations of the CRs (brokers) | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 32919(a), 126 Stat. 405, 827 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14916(c)) | 10,282 | 10,450 |
| Appendix B (g)(3) Violations of the CRs (passenger carriers) | MAP-21, Public Law 112-141, 32108(a), 126 Stat. 405, 782 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14901(a)) | 25,705 | 26,126 |
| Appendix B (g)(4) Violations of the CRs (foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers) | MAP-21, Public Law 112-141, 32108(a), 126 Stat. 405, 782 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14901(a)) | 10,282 | 10,450 |
| 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 | MCSIA of 1999, Public Law 106-59, 219(b), 113 Stat. 1748, 1768 (1999) (49 U.S.C. 14901note) | 14,140 | 14,371 |
| 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 | MCSIA of 1999, Public Law 106-59, 219(c), 113 Stat. 1748, 1768 (1999) (49 U.S.C. 14901note) | 35,351 | 35,929 |
| Appendix B (g)(6) Violations of the CRs (motor carrier or broker for transportation of hazardous wastes)—minimum penalty | MAP-21, Public Law 112-141, 32108, 126 Stat. 405, 782 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14901(b)) | 20,564 | 20,900 |
| Appendix B (g)(6) Violations of the CRs (motor carrier or broker for transportation of hazardous wastes)—maximum penalty | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 32108, 126 Stat. 405,782 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14901(b)) | 41,128 | 41,801 |
| Appendix B (g)(7): Violations of the CRs (HHG carrier or freight forwarder, or their receiver or trustee) | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 914 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14901(d)(1)) | 1,547 | 1,572 |
| Appendix B (g)(8) Violation of the CRs (weight of HHG shipment, charging for services)—minimum penalty for first violation | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 914 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14901(e)) | 3,095 | 3,146 |
| Appendix B (g)(8) Violation of the CRs (weight of HHG shipment, charging for services) subsequent violation | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 914 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14901(e)) | 7,737 | 7,864 |
| Appendix B (g)(10) Tariff violations | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 868-869, 915 (1995) (49 U.S.C. §13702, 14903) | 154,742 | 157,274 |
| Appendix B (g)(11) Additional tariff violations (rebates or concessions)—first violation | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 915-916 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14904(a)) | 309 | 314 |
| Appendix B (g)(11) Additional tariff violations (rebates or concessions)—subsequent violations | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 915-916 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14904(a)) | 387 | 393 |
| Appendix B (g)(12): Tariff violations (freight forwarders)—maximum penalty for first violation | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 916 (49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(1)) | 774 | 787 |
| Appendix B (g)(12): Tariff violations (freight forwarders)—maximum penalty for subsequent violations | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 916 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(1)) | 3,095 | 3,146 |
| Appendix B (g)(13): Service from freight forwarder at less than rate in effect—maximum penalty for first violation | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 916 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(2)) | 774 | 787 |
| Appendix B (g)(13): Service from freight forwarder at less than rate in effect—maximum penalty for subsequent violation(s) | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 916 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(2)) | 3,095 | 3,146 |
| Appendix B (g)(14): Violations related to loading and unloading motor vehicles | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 916 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14905) | 15,474 | 15,727 |
| Appendix B (g)(16): Reporting and recordkeeping under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B (except 13901 and 13902(c)—minimum penalty | MAP-21, Public Law 112-141, 32108, 126 Stat. 405, 782 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14901) | 1,028 | 1,045 |
| Appendix B (g)(16): Reporting and recordkeeping under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B—maximum penalty | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 916-917 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14907) | 7,737 | 7,864 |
| Appendix B (g)(17): Unauthorized disclosure of information | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 917 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14908) | 3,095 | 3,146 |
| Appendix B (g)(18): Violation of 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B, or condition of registration | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 917 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14910) | 774 | 787 |
| Appendix B (g)(21)(i): Knowingly and willfully fails to deliver or unload HHG at destination | ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 103, 100 Stat. 803, 916 (1995) (49 U.S.C. 14905) | 15,474 | 15,727 |
| Appendix B (g)(22): HHG broker estimate before entering into an agreement with a motor carrier | SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59, 4209(2), 119 Stat. 1144, 1758, (2005) (49 U.S.C. 14901(d)(2)) | 11,940 | 12,135 |
| Appendix B (g)(23): HHG transportation or broker services—registration requirement | SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59, 4209(d)(3), 119 Stat. 1144, 1758 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 14901 (d)(3)) | 29,849 | 30,337 |
| Appendix B (h): Copying of records and access to equipment, lands, and buildings—maximum penalty per day | SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59, 4103(2), 119 Stat. 1144, 1716 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(E)) | 1,194 | 1,214 |
| Appendix B (h): Copying of records and access to equipment, lands, and buildings—maximum total penalty | SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-59, 4103(2), 119 Stat. 1716 (2005) (49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(E)) | 11,940 | 12,135 |
| Appendix B (i)(1): 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 | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 32505, 126 Stat. 405, 804 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 524) | 2,056 | 2,090 |
| Appendix B (i)(1): 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 | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 32505, 126 Stat. 405, 804 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 524) | 5,141 | 5,225 |
| Appendix B (i)(1): 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) | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 32505, 126 Stat. 405, 804 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 524). MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 32505, 126 Stat. 405, 804 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 524) | 2,570 | 2,612 |
| Appendix B (i)(1): 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) | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 32505, 126 Stat. 405, 804 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 524) | 7,711 | 7,837 |
| Appendix B (i)(2): Evasion of regulations under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B—minimum penalty for first violation | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 32505, 126 Stat. 405, 804 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14906) | 2,056 | 2,090 |
| Appendix B (i)(2): Evasion of regulations under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B—minimum penalty for subsequent violation(s) | MAP-21 Public Law 112-141, 32505, 126 Stat. 405, 804 (2012) (49 U.S.C. 14906) | 5,141 | 5,225 |