Federal law requires the U.S. Department of Transportation and several other federal agencies to increase civil penalties annually in accordance with an inflation formula. Accordingly, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has published its new fine schedule for violations of the Hazardous Materials Regulations. The new fines took effect on May 3, 2021. Key increases are shown below, along with a link to the completely new DOT fine schedule.
- The maximum civil penalty for hazmat shipping violations has increased from $83,439 to $84,425 per day, per violation.
- For a violation that results in death, serious illness, severe injury, or substantial property damage, the maximum hazmat civil penalty has increased from $194,691 to $196,992 per day, per violation.
- The minimum penalty for failure to provide hazmat training for employees has risen from $502 to $508 per employee, per day.
For a complete list of penalty increases, go here.