FMCSA Increases Civil Penalties

FMCSA Increases Civil Penalties.pdf

On April 12, 2017 (82 FR 17584) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended the civil penalties listed in its regulations to ensure that the civil penalties assessed or enforced by the Agency reflect the statutorily mandated ranges as adjusted for inflation. Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (2015 Act), FMCSA is required to promulgate annual adjustments each year by January 15th. Pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, FMCSA finds that good cause exists for immediate implementation of this final rule because prior notice and comment are unnecessary, per the specific provisions of the 2015 Act.  This final rule adjusts the amount of FMCSA's civil penalties to account for inflation as directed by the 2015 Act. The final rule implements the 2017 annual adjustments, which will update the adjustments made by interim final rule on June 27, 2016 (81 FR 41453). The specific inflation adjustment methodology is described in 82 FR 17584 Final Rule.  This rule is effective April 24, 2017.