Trucking companies and drivers should be aware that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has raised dozens of fines for violations that cover everything from recordkeeping to commercial driver’s license violations.
The financial penalties rose nearly 2.6% and went into effect Dec. 30.
Some of the largest and most common penalties include:
- Maximum penalty amount for a series of violations related to odometer tampering and disclosure (now $1,346,624)
- Maximum penalty for a series of violations related to filing false or misleading reports (now $1,346,624)
- Violation related to the tire fuel efficiency information program (now $75,541)
- Employer violations for knowingly allowing or authorizing employee violations of an out-of-service order (now $39,615)
- Out-of-service order in failure to cease operations as instructed (now $34,116)
- Knowingly falsifying records (now $15,846)
- Commercial driver’s license violations (now $7,155)
- Maximum penalty amount for a series of school bus-related violations (now $23,769,732)
You can find a full list of all the new amounts for all FMCSA penalties here. While the penalties may seem excessive – especially when coupled with the rising costs of supplies, insurance premiums, and more – many of these violations can be avoided with a strong plan that includes legal training for personnel and communication between drivers, management, and attorneys.
If you have any questions about the rise in penalties, or how to streamline your operations to avoid incurring penalties in the first place, please contact Michael Traxler, Lane Brody, or anyone in the Saxton & Stump Trucking and Commercial Transportation Group.
