FRA increases penalties for hazmat transport violations

Citing inflation, the Federal Railroad Administration on July 27 issued a final rule (.pdf file) that increases the maximum penalty and the aggravated maximum penalty for a violation of federal hazardous materials transportation laws or regulations.

The penalties will apply when assessing a civil monetary penalty for a violation. The aggravated maximum penalty is only for a violation that results in death, serious illness, or severe injury to any person, or substantial destruction of property.

The final rule also establishes:

• The ordinary maximum civil monetary penalty per violation will increase to $55,000 from $50,000.
• The aggravated maximum civil penalty will increase to $110,000 from $100,000.
• The minimum civil monetary penalty for a violation related to training will remain at $450.
• The minimum civil penalty per violation for other hazardous materials violations will remain at $250.