{"operation":"document","citation":"88 FR 1114","title":"Revisions to Civil Penalty Amounts","source_type":"rulemaking","agency":"National Highway Traffic Safety Administration","status":"historical","official":true,"published_on":"2023-01-06","effective_on":"2023-01-06","summary":"This final rule provides the statutorily-prescribed 2023 adjustment to civil penalty amounts that may be imposed for violations of certain DOT regulations.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/federal-register-2022-28580.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/federal-register-2022-28580.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/federal-register-2022-28580","source_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/06/2022-28580/revisions-to-civil-penalty-amounts","body":"Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 4 (Friday, January 6, 2023) [Federal Register Volume 88, Number 4 (Friday, January 6, 2023)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 1114-1132] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] [FR Doc No: 2022-28580] [[Page 1113]] Vol. 88 Friday, No. 4 January 6, 2023 Part II Department of Transportation ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Aviation Administration Office of the Secretary Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation Maritime Administration Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Federal Railroad Administration Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 CFR Parts 13, 383, and 406 33 CFR Part 401 46 CFR Parts 221, 307, 340, et al. 49 CFR Parts 107, 171, 190, et al. Revisions to Civil Penalty Amounts; Final Rule Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 4 / Friday, January 6, 2023 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 1114]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Parts 13 and 406 Office of the Secretary 14 CFR Part 383 Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation 33 CFR Part 401 Maritime Administration 46 CFR Parts 221, 307, 340, and 356 Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 49 CFR Parts 107, 171, and 190 Federal Railroad Administration 49 CFR Parts 209, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, and 272 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 49 CFR Part 386 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 49 CFR Part 578 RIN 2105-AF12 Revisions to Civil Penalty Amounts AGENCY: Department of Transportation (DOT or the Department). ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This final rule provides the statutorily-prescribed 2023 adjustment to civil penalty amounts that may be imposed for violations of certain DOT regulations. DATES: This rule is effective January 6, 2023. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Kohl, Attorney-Advisor, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590, 202-366-7253; [email protected] . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for This Rulemaking This rule implements the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (FCPIAA), Public Law 101-410, as amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (2015 Act), Public Law 114-74, 129 Stat. 599, codified at 28 U.S.C. 2461 note. The FCPIAA and the 2015 Act require Federal agencies to adjust minimum and maximum civil penalty amounts to preserve their deterrent impact. The 2015 Act amended the formula and frequency of the adjustments. It required an initial catch-up adjustment in the form of an interim final rule, followed by annual adjustments of civil penalty amounts using a statutorily mandated formula. Section 4(b)(2) of the 2015 Act specifically directs that the annual adjustment be accomplished through final rule without notice and comment. This rule is effective immediately. The Department's authorities over the specific civil penalty regulations being amended by this rule are provided in the preamble discussion below. I. Background On November 2, 2015, the President signed into law the 2015 Act, which amended the FCPIAA, to improve the effectiveness of civil monetary penalties and to maintain their deterrent effect. The 2015 Act requires Federal agencies to: (1) adjust the level of civil monetary penalties with an initial ``catch-up'' adjustment through an interim final rule (IFR); and (2) make subsequent annual adjustments. The 2015 Act directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidance on implementing the required annual adjustment no later than December 15 of each year.\\1\\ On December 15, 2022, OMB released this required guidance, in OMB Memorandum M-23-05, which provides instructions on how to calculate the 2023 annual adjustment. To derive the 2023 adjustment, the Department must multiply the maximum or minimum penalty amount by the percent change between the October 2022 Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) and the October 2021 CPI-U. In this case, as explained in OMB Memorandum M-23-05, the percent change between the October 2022 CPI-U and the October 2021 CPI- U is 1.07745. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \\1\\ 28 U.S.C. 2461 note. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- II. Issuance of a Final Rule This final rule is being published without notice and comment and with an immediate effective date. The 2015 Act provides clear direction for how to adjust the civil penalties, and clearly states at section 4(b)(2) that this adjustment shall be made ``notwithstanding section 553 of title 5, United States Code.'' By operation of the 2015 Act, DOT must publish an annual adjustment by January 15 of every year, and the new levels take effect upon publication of the rule. Accordingly, DOT is publishing this final rule without prior notice and comment, and with an immediate effective date. III. Discussion of the Final Rule In 2016, OST and DOT's operating administrations with civil monetary penalties promulgated the ``catch up'' IFR required by the 2015 Act. All DOT operating administrations have already finalized their ``catch up'' IFRs, and this rule makes the annual adjustment required by the 2015 Act. The Department emphasizes that this rule adjusts penalties prospectively, and therefore the penalty adjustments made by this rule will apply only to violations that take place after this rule becomes effective. This rule also does not change previously assessed or enforced penalties that DOT is actively collecting or has collected. A. Office of the Secretary (OST) 2023 Adjustments OST's 2023 civil penalty adjustments are summarized in the chart below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.07745) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- General civil penalty for violations of certain 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1).......... $37,377 $40,272 aviation economic regulations and statutes. General civil penalty for violations of certain 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1).......... 1,644 1,771 aviation economic regulations and statutes involving an individual or small business concern. [[Page 1115]] Civil penalties for individuals or small 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(A)....... 14,950 16,108 businesses for violations of most provisions of Chapter 401 of Title 49, including the anti- discrimination provisions of sections 40127 and 41705 and rules and orders issued pursuant to these provisions. Civil penalties for individuals or small 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(C)....... 7,475 8,054 businesses for violations of 49 U.S.C. 41719 and rules and orders issued pursuant to that provision. Civil penalties for individuals or small 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(D)....... 3,738 4,028 businesses for violations of 49 U.S.C. 41712 or consumer protection rules and orders issued pursuant to that provision. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 2023 Adjustments FAA's 2023 civil penalty adjustments are summarized in the chart below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.07745) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Violation of hazardous materials transportation 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)........... $89,678 $96,624 law. Violation of hazardous materials transportation 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(2)........... 209,249 225,455 law resulting in death, serious illness, severe injury, or substantial property destruction. Minimum penalty for violation of hazardous 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(3)........... 540 582 materials transportation law relating to training. Maximum penalty for violation of hazardous 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(3)........... 89,678 96,624 materials transportation law relating to training. Knowing presentation of a nonconforming 49 U.S.C. 44704(d)(3)(B)....... 1,062,220 1,144,489 aircraft for issuance of an initial airworthiness certificate by a production certificate holder. Knowing failure by an applicant for or holder 49 U.S.C. 44704(e)(4)(A)....... 1,062,220 1,144,489 of a type certificate to submit safety critical information or include certain such information in an airplane flight manual or flight crew operating manual contrary to 49 U.S.C. 44704(e)(1)-(3). Operation of an unmanned aircraft or unmanned 49 U.S.C. 44802 note........... 27,344 29,462 aircraft system equipped or armed with a dangerous weapon. Violation by a person other than an individual 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1).......... 37,377 40,272 or small business concern under 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1)(A) or (B). Violation by an airman serving as an airman 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1).......... 1,644 1,771 under 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1)(A) or (B) (but not covered by 46301(a)(5)(A) or (B)). Violation by an individual or small business 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1).......... 1,644 1,771 concern under 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1)(A) or (B) (but not covered in 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)). Violation by an individual or small business 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(A)....... 14,950 16,108 concern (except an airman serving as an airman) under 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(A)(i) or (ii). Violation by an individual or small business 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(B)(i).... 14,950 16,108 concern related to the transportation of hazardous materials. Violation by an individual or small business 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(B)(ii)... 14,950 16,108 concern related to the registration or recordation under 49 U.S.C. chapter 441, of an aircraft not used to provide air transportation. Violation by an individual or small business 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(B)(iii).. 14,950 16,108 concern of 49 U.S.C. 44718(d), relating to limitation on construction or establishment of landfills. Violation by an individual or small business 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(B)(iv)... 14,950 16,108 concern of 49 U.S.C. 44725, relating to the safe disposal of life-limited aircraft parts. Individual who aims the beam of a laser pointer 49 U.S.C. 46301 note........... 28,605 30,820 at an aircraft in the airspace jurisdiction of the United States, or at the flight path of such an aircraft. Tampering with a smoke alarm device............ 49 U.S.C. 46301(b)............. 4,799 5,171 Knowingly providing false information about 49 U.S.C. 46302................ 26,066 28,085 alleged violation involving the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Physical or sexual assault or threat to 49 U.S.C. 46318................ 39,247 42,287 physically or sexually assault crewmember or other individual on an aircraft, or action that poses an imminent threat to the safety of the aircraft or individuals on board. Permanent closure of an airport without 49 U.S.C. 46319................ 14,950 16,108 providing sufficient notice. Operating an unmanned aircraft and in so doing 49 U.S.C. 46320................ 22,884 24,656 knowingly or recklessly interfering with a wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response effort. [[Page 1116]] Violation of 51 U.S.C. 50901-50923, a 51 U.S.C. 50917(c)............. 262,666 283,009 regulation issued under these statutes, or any term or condition of a license or permit issued or transferred under these statutes.. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2023 Adjustments NHTSA's 2023 civil penalty adjustments are summarized in the chart below. DOT's annual civil monetary penalty adjustment for 2023 includes adjustments of NHTSA's civil penalties for violations of applicable corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. Those standards, including any statutorily required adjustments, were previously addressed in a separate rulemaking proceeding (see NHTSA's final rule published in April 2022 (87 FR 18994 (Apr. 1, 2022)). Going forward, and including this 2023 adjustment, DOT intends to update the CAFE civil penalties addressed in that rulemaking in the DOT annual civil monetary penalties adjustment. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \\2\\ For model years before model year 2019, the civil penalty is $5.50; for model years 2019 through 2021, the civil penalty is $14; for model year 2022, the civil penalty is $15; for model year 2023, the civil penalty is $16. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.07745) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum penalty amount for each violation of: 49 U.S.C. 30165(a)(1), $24,423 $26,315 49 U.S.C. 30112, 30115, 30117-30122, 30165(a)(3). 30123(a), 30125(c), 30127, 30141-30147, 30166 or 31137, or a regulation prescribed under any of these sections. Maximum penalty amount for a related series of 49 U.S.C. 30165(a)(1), 122,106,996 131,564,183 violations of: 49 U.S.C. 30112, 30115, 30117- 30165(a)(3). 30122, 30123(a), 30125(c), 30127, 30141- 30147, 30166 or 31137, or a regulation prescribed under any of these sections. Maximum penalty per school bus related 49 U.S.C. 30165(a)(2)(A)........ 13,885 14,960 violation of 49 U.S.C. 30112(a)(1) or 30112(a)(2). Maximum penalty amount for a series of school 49 U.S.C. 30165(a)(2)(B)........ 20,827,441 22,440,526 bus related violations of 49 U.S.C. 30112(a)(1) or 30112(a)(2). Maximum penalty per violation for filing false 49 U.S.C. 30165(a)(4)........... 5,978 6,441 or misleading reports. Maximum penalty amount for a series of 49 U.S.C. 30165(a)(4)........... 1,195,707 1,288,315 violations related to filing false or misleading reports. Maximum penalty amount for each violation of 49 U.S.C. 30505................. 1,949 2,100 the reporting requirements related to maintaining the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. Maximum penalty amount for each violation of a 49 U.S.C. 32507(a).............. 3,198 3,446 bumper standard under 49 U.S.C. 32506. Maximum penalty amount for a series of 49 U.S.C. 32507(a).............. 3,561,551 3,837,393 violations of a bumper standard under 49 U.S.C. 32506. Maximum penalty amount for each violation of 49 U.S.C. 32308(b).............. 3,198 3,446 49 U.S.C. 32308(a) related to providing information on crashworthiness and damage susceptibility. Maximum penalty amount for a series of 49 U.S.C. 32308(b).............. 1,744,386 1,879,489 violations of 49 U.S.C. 32308(a) related to providing information on crashworthiness and damage susceptibility. Maximum penalty for each violation related to 49 U.S.C. 32308(c).............. 66,191 71,317 the tire fuel efficiency information program. Maximum civil penalty for willfully failing to 49 U.S.C. 32309................. 1,949 2,100 affix, or failing to maintain, the label required in 49 U.S.C. 32304. Maximum penalty amount per violation related 49 U.S.C. 32709................. 11,956 12,882 to odometer tampering and disclosure. Maximum penalty amount for a related series of 49 U.S.C. 32709................. 1,195,707 1,288,315 violations related to odometer tampering and disclosure. Maximum penalty amount per violation related 49 U.S.C. 32710................. 11,956 12,882 to odometer tampering and disclosure with intent to defraud. Maximum penalty amount for each violation of 49 U.S.C. 33115(a).............. 2,627 2,830 49 U.S.C. 33114(a)(1)-(4). Maximum penalty amount for a related series of 49 U.S.C. 33115(a).............. 656,665 707,524 violations of 49 U.S.C. 33114(a)(1)-(4). Maximum civil penalty for violations of 49 49 U.S.C. 33115(b).............. 195,054 210,161 U.S.C. 33114(a)(5). Maximum civil penalty for violations under 49 49 U.S.C 32912(a)............... 45,973 49,534 U.S.C. 32911(a) related to automobile fuel economy. Civil penalty factor for violations of fuel 49 U.S.C. 32912(b).............. $15 $16 economy standards prescribed for a model year under 49 U.S.C. 32902 \\2\\. [[Page 1117]] Maximum civil penalty factor that may be 49 U.S.C. 32912(c)(1)(B)........ 29 $31 prescribed for fuel economy standards under 49. Maximum civil penalty for a violation under 49 U.S.C. 32902................. 45,273 48,779 the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fuel efficiency program. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- D. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 2023 Adjustments FMCSA's civil penalties affected by this rule are all located in appendices A and B to 49 CFR part 386. The 2023 adjustments to these civil penalties are summarized in the chart below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.07745) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Appendix A II Subpoena........................ 49 U.S.C. 525................... $1,195 $1,288 Appendix A II Subpoena........................ 49 U.S.C. 525................... 11,956 12,882 Appendix A IV (a) Out-of-service order 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)............. 2,072 2,232 (operation of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) by driver). Appendix A IV (b) Out-of-service order 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)............. 20,719 22,324 (requiring or permitting operation of CMV by driver). Appendix A IV (c) Out-of-service order 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)............. 2,072 2,232 (operation by driver of CMV or intermodal equipment that was placed out of service). Appendix A IV (d) Out-of-service order 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)............. 20,719 22,324 (requiring or permitting operation of CMV or intermodal equipment that was placed out of service). Appendix A IV (e) Out-of-service order 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B).......... 1,036 1,116 (failure to return written certification of correction). Appendix A IV (g) Out-of-service order 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(F).......... 29,893 32,208 (failure to cease operations as ordered). Appendix A IV (h) Out-of-service order 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)............. 26,269 28,304 (operating in violation of order). Appendix A IV (i) Out-of-service order 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A) and 16,864 18,170 (conducting operations during suspension or (b)(7). revocation for failure to pay penalties). Appendix A IV (j) (conducting operations 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)............. 26,269 28,304 during suspension or revocation). Appendix B (a)(1) Recordkeeping--maximum 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B)(i)....... 1,388 1,496 penalty per day. Appendix B (a)(1) Recordkeeping--maximum total 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B)(i)....... 13,885 14,960 penalty. Appendix B (a)(2) Knowing falsification of 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B)(ii)...... 13,885 14,960 records. Appendix B (a)(3) Non-recordkeeping violations 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A).......... 16,864 18,170 Appendix B (a)(4) Non-recordkeeping violations 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A).......... 4,216 4,543 by drivers. Appendix B (a)(5) Violation of 49 CFR 392.5 49 U.S.C. 31310(i)(2)(A)........ 3,471 3,740 (first conviction). Appendix B (a)(5) Violation of 49 CFR 392.5 49 U.S.C. 31310(i)(2)(A)........ 6,943 7,481 (second or subsequent conviction). Appendix B (b) Commercial driver's license 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(C).......... 6,269 6,755 (CDL) violations. Appendix B (b)(1): Special penalties 49 U.S.C. 31310(i)(2)(A)........ 3,471 3,740 pertaining to violation of out-of-service orders (first conviction). Appendix B (b)(1) Special penalties pertaining 49 U.S.C. 31310(i)(2)(A)........ 6,943 7,481 to violation of out-of-service orders (second or subsequent conviction). Appendix B (b)(2) Employer violations 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(C).......... 6,269 6,755 pertaining to knowingly allowing, authorizing employee violations of out-of-service order (minimum penalty). Appendix B (b)(2) Employer violations 49 U.S.C. 31310(i)(2)(C)........ 34,712 37,400 pertaining to knowingly allowing, authorizing employee violations of out-of-service order (maximum penalty). Appendix B (b)(3) Special penalties pertaining 49 U.S.C. 31310(j)(2)(B)........ 17,995 19,389 to railroad-highway grade crossing violations. Appendix B (d) Financial responsibility 49 U.S.C. 31138(d)(1), 18,500 19,933 violations. 31139(g)(1). Appendix B (e)(1) Violations of Hazardous 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)............ 89,678 96,624 Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (transportation or shipment of hazardous materials). Appendix B (e)(2) Violations of Hazardous 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(3)............ 540 582 Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (training)--minimum penalty. Appendix B (e)(2): Violations of Hazardous 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)............ 89,678 96,624 Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (training)--maximum penalty. Appendix B (e)(3) Violations of Hazardous 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)............ 89,678 96,624 Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (packaging or container). [[Page 1118]] Appendix B (e)(4): Violations of Hazardous 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)............ 89,678 96,624 Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (compliance with FMCSRs). Appendix B (e)(5) Violations of Hazardous 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(2)............ 209,249 225,455 Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (death, serious illness, severe injury to persons; destruction of property). Appendix B (f)(1) Operating after being 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(F).......... 29,893 32,208 declared unfit by assignment of a final ``unsatisfactory'' safety rating (generally). Appendix B (f)(2) Operating after being 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)............ 89,678 96,624 declared unfit by assignment of a final ``unsatisfactory'' safety rating (hazardous materials)--maximum penalty. Appendix B (f)(2): Operating after being 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(2)............ 209,249 225,455 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. Appendix B (g)(1): Violations of the 49 U.S.C. 14901(a).............. 11,956 12,882 commercial regulations (CRs) (property carriers). Appendix B (g)(2) Violations of the CRs 49 U.S.C. 14916(c).............. 11,956 12,882 (brokers). Appendix B (g)(3) Violations of the CRs 49 U.S.C. 14901(a).............. 29,893 32,208 (passenger carriers). Appendix B (g)(4) Violations of the CRs 49 U.S.C. 14901(a).............. 11,956 12,882 (foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers). Appendix B (g)(5) Violations of the operating 49 U.S.C. 14901 note............ 16,443 17,717 authority requirement (foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers)-- maximum penalty for intentional violation. Appendix B (g)(5) Violations of the operating 49 U.S.C. 14901 note............ 41,110 44,294 authority requirement (foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers)-- maximum penalty for a pattern of intentional violations. Appendix B (g)(6) Violations of the CRs (motor 49 U.S.C. 14901(b).............. 23,915 25,767 carrier or broker for transportation of hazardous wastes)--minimum penalty. Appendix B (g)(6) Violations of the CRs (motor 49 U.S.C. 14901(b).............. 47,829 51,533 carrier or broker for transportation of hazardous wastes)--maximum penalty. Appendix B (g)(7): Violations of the CRs I49 U.S.C. 14901(d)(1).......... 1,798 1,937 (household goods (HHG) carrier or freight forwarder, or their receiver or trustee). Appendix B (g)(8) Violation of the CRs (weight 49 U.S.C. 14901(e).............. 3,600 3,879 of HHG shipment, charging for services)-- minimum penalty for first violation. Appendix B (g)(8) Violation of the CRs (weight 49 U.S.C. 14901(e).............. 8,998 9,695 of HHG shipment, charging for services)-- minimum penalty for subsequent violation. Appendix B (g)(10) Tariff violations.......... 49 U.S.C. 13702, 14903.......... 179,953 193,890 Appendix B (g)(11) Additional tariff 49 U.S.C. 14904(a).............. 359 387 violations (rebates or concessions)--first violation. Appendix B (g)(11) Additional tariff 49 U.S.C. 14904(a).............. 449 484 violations (rebates or concessions)-- subsequent violations. Appendix B (g)(12): Tariff violations (freight 49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(1)........... 901 971 forwarders)--maximum penalty for first violation. Appendix B (g)(12): Tariff violations (freight 49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(1)........... 3,600 3,879 forwarders)--maximum penalty for subsequent violations. Appendix B (g)(13): service from freight 49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(2)........... 901 971 forwarder at less than rate in effect-- maximum penalty for first violation. Appendix B (g)(13): service from freight 49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(2)........... 3,600 3,879 forwarder at less than rate in effect-- maximum penalty for subsequent violation(s). Appendix B (g)(14): Violations related to 49 U.S.C. 14905................. 17,995 19,389 loading and unloading motor vehicles. Appendix B (g)(16): Reporting and 49 U.S.C. 14901................. 1,195 1,288 recordkeeping under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B (except 13901 and 13902(c))--minimum penalty. Appendix B (g)(16): Reporting and 49 U.S.C. 14907................. 8,998 9,695 recordkeeping under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B--maximum penalty. Appendix B (g)(17): Unauthorized disclosure of 49 U.S.C. 14908................. 3,600 3,879 information. Appendix B (g)(18): Violation of 49 U.S.C. 49 U.S.C. 14910................. 901 971 subtitle IV, part B, or condition of registration. Appendix B (g)(21)(i): Knowingly and willfully 49 U.S.C. 14915................. 17,995 19,389 fails to deliver or unload HHG at destination. Appendix B (g)(22): HHG broker estimate before 49 U.S.C. 14901(d)(2)........... 13,885 14,960 entering into an agreement with a motor carrier. Appendix B (g)(23): HHG transportation or 49 U.S.C. 14901 (d)(3).......... 34,712 37,400 broker services--registration requirement. Appendix B (h): Copying of records and access 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(E).......... 1,388 1,496 to equipment, lands, and buildings--maximum penalty per day. Appendix B (h): Copying of records and access 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(E).......... 13,885 14,960 to equipment, lands, and buildings--maximum total penalty. [[Page 1119]] Appendix B (i)(1): Evasion of regulations 49 U.S.C. 524................... 2,392 2,577 under 49 U.S.C. ch. 5, 51, subchapter III of ch. 311 (except 31138 and 31139), 31302- 31304, 31305(b), 31310(g)(1)(A), or 31502-- minimum penalty for first violation. Appendix B (i)(1): Evasion of regulations 49 U.S.C. 524................... 5,978 6,441 under 49 U.S.C. ch. 5, 51, subchapter III of ch. 311 (except 31138 and 31139), 31302- 31304, 31305(b), 31310(g)(1)(A), or 31502-- maximum penalty for first violation. Appendix B (i)(1): Evasion of regulations 49 U.S.C. 524................... 2,988 3,219 under 49 U.S.C. ch. 5, 51, subchapter III of ch. 311 (except 31138 and 31139), 31302- 31304, 31305(b), 31310(g)(1)(A), or 31502-- minimum penalty for subsequent violation(s). Appendix B (i)(1): Evasion of regulations 49 U.S.C. 524................... 8,958 9,652 under 49 U.S.C. ch. 5, 51, subchapter III of ch. 311 (except 31138 and 31139), 31302- 31304, 31305(b), 31310(g)(1)(A), or 31502-- maximum penalty for subsequent violation(s). Appendix B (i)(2): Evasion of regulations 49 U.S.C. 14906................. 2,392 2,577 under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B--minimum penalty for first violation. Appendix B (i)(2): Evasion of regulations 49 U.S.C. 14906................. 5,978 6,441 under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B--minimum penalty for subsequent violation(s). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- E. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) 2023 Adjustments FRA's 2023 civil penalty adjustments are summarized in the chart below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.07745) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minimum rail safety penalty................... 49 U.S.C. ch. 213............... $976 $1,052 Ordinary maximum rail safety penalty.......... 49 U.S.C. ch. 213............... 31,928 34,401 Maximum penalty for an aggravated rail safety 49 U.S.C. ch. 213............... 127,712 137,603 violation. Minimum penalty for hazardous materials 49 U.S.C. 5123.................. 540 582 training violations. Maximum penalty for ordinary hazardous 49 U.S.C. 5123.................. 89,678 96,624 materials violations. Maximum penalty for aggravated hazardous 49 U.S.C. 5123.................. 209,249 225,455 materials violations. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) 2023 Adjustments PHMA's civil penalties affected by this rule for hazardous materials violations are located in 49 CFR 107.329, appendix A to subpart D of 49 CFR part 107, and Sec. 171.1. The civil penalties affected by this rule for pipeline safety violations are located in Sec. 190.223. PHMSA's 2023 civil penalty adjustments are summarized in the chart below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.07745 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum penalty for hazardous materials 49 U.S.C. 5123.................. $89,678 $96,624 violation. Maximum penalty for hazardous materials 49 U.S.C. 5123.................. 209,249 225,455 violation that results in death, serious illness, or severe injury to any person or substantial destruction of property. Minimum penalty for hazardous materials 49 U.S.C. 5123.................. 540 582 training violations. Maximum penalty for each pipeline safety 49 U.S.C. 60122(a)(1)........... 239,142 257,664 violation. Maximum penalty for a related series of 49 U.S.C. 60122(a)(1)........... 2,391,412 2,576,627 pipeline safety violations. Maximum additional penalty for each liquefied 49 U.S.C. 60122(a)(2)........... 87,362 94,128 natural gas pipeline facility violation. Maximum penalty for discrimination against 49 U.S.C. 60122(a)(3)........... 1,388 1,496 employees providing pipeline safety information. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 1120]] G. Maritime Administration (MARAD) 2023 Adjustments MARAD's 2023 civil penalty adjustments are summarized in the chart below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.07745) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum civil penalty for a single violation 46 U.S.C. 31309................. $22,967 $24,746 of any provision under 46 U.S.C. Chapter 313 and all of Subtitle III related MARAD regulations, except for violations of 46 U.S.C. 31329. Maximum civil penalty for a single violation 46 U.S.C. 31330................. 57,527 61,982 of 46 U.S.C. 31329 as it relates to the court sales of documented vessels. Maximum civil penalty for a single violation 46 U.S.C. 56101(e).............. 23,115 24,905 of 46 U.S.C. 56101 as it relates to approvals required to transfer a vessel to a noncitizen. Maximum civil penalty for failure to file an 46 U.S.C. 50113(b).............. 146 157 Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER) report. Maximum civil penalty for violating procedures 50 U.S.C. 4513.................. 29,074 31,326 for the use and allocation of shipping services, port facilities and services for national security and national defense operations. Maximum civil penalty for violations in 46 U.S.C. 12151................. 168,651 181,713 applying for or renewing a vessel's fishery endorsement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- H. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) 2023 Adjustments The 2023 civil penalty adjustment for GLS is as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.07745) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum civil penalty for each violation of 33 U.S.C. 1232.................. $103,050 $111,031 the Seaway Rules and Regulations at 33 CFR part 401. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulatory Analysis and Notices A. Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures This final rule has been evaluated in accordance with existing policies and procedures and is considered not significant under Executive Order 12866 and DOT's Regulatory Policies and Procedures; therefore, the rule has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Executive Order 12866. B. Regulatory Flexibility Analysis The Department has determined the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601, et seq.) does not apply to this rulemaking. The RFA applies, in pertinent part, only when ``an agency is required . . . to publish general notice of proposed rulemaking.'' 5 U.S.C. 604(a). The Small Business Administration's A Guide for Government Agencies: How to Comply with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (2012), explains that: If, under the [Administrative Procedure Act (APA)] or any rule of general applicability governing federal grants to state and local governments, the agency is required to publish a general notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), the RFA must be considered [citing 5 U.S.C. 604(a)]. . . . If an NPRM is not required, the RFA does not apply. As stated above, DOT has determined that good cause exists to publish this final rule without notice and comment procedures under the APA. Therefore, the analytical requirements of the RFA do not apply. C. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism) This final rule has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 13132 (``Federalism''). This regulation has no substantial direct effects on the States, the relationship between the National Government and the States, or the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. It does not contain any provision that imposes substantial direct compliance costs on State and local governments. Therefore, the consultation and funding requirements of Executive Order 13132 do not apply. D. Executive Order 13175 This final rule has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments. Because none of the measures in the rule have tribal implications or impose substantial direct compliance costs on Indian tribal governments, the funding and consultation requirements of Executive Order 13175 do not apply. E. Paperwork Reduction Act Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, before an agency submits a proposed collection of information to OMB for approval, it must publish a document in the Federal Register providing notice of and a 60-day comment period on, and otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies concerning, [[Page 1121]] each proposed collection of information. This final rule imposes no new information reporting or record keeping necessitating clearance by OMB. F. National Environmental Policy Act The Department has analyzed the environmental impacts of this final rule pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.) and has determined that it is categorically excluded pursuant to DOT Order 5610.1C, Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts (44 FR 56420, Oct. 1, 1979, as amended July 13, 1982, and July 30, 1985). Categorical exclusions are actions identified in an agency's NEPA implementing procedures that do not normally have a significant impact on the environment and therefore do not require either an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS). See 40 CFR 1508.4. In analyzing the applicability of a categorical exclusion, the agency must also consider whether extraordinary circumstances are present that would warrant the preparation of an EA or EIS. Id. Paragraph 4(c)(5) of DOT Order 5610.1C includes the categorical exclusions for all DOT Operating Administrations. This action qualifies for a categorical exclusion in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures (80 FR 44208, July 24, 2015), paragraph 5-6.6.f, which covers regulations not expected to cause any potentially significant environmental impacts. The Department does not anticipate any environmental impacts, and there are no extraordinary circumstances present in connection with this final rule. G. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act The Department analyzed the final rule under the factors in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. The Department considered whether the rule includes a Federal mandate that may result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100,000,000 or more (adjusted annually for inflation) in any one year. The Department has determined that this final rule will not result in such expenditures. Accordingly, no further assessment or analysis is required under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. List of Subjects 14 CFR Part 13 Administrative practice and procedure, Air transportation, Hazardous materials transportation, Investigations, Law enforcement, Penalties. 14 CFR Part 383 Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties. 14 CFR Part 406 Administrative procedure and review, Commercial space transportation, Enforcement, Investigations, Penalties, Rules of adjudication. 33 CFR Part 401 Hazardous materials transportation, Navigation (water), Penalties, Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Vessels, Waterways. 46 CFR Part 221 Administrative practice and procedure, Maritime carriers, Mortgages, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Trusts and trustees. 46 CFR Part 307 Marine safety, Maritime carriers, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 46 CFR Part 340 Harbors, Maritime carriers, National defense, Packaging and containers. 46 CFR Part 356 Citizenship and naturalization, Fishing vessels, Mortgages, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Vessels. 49 CFR Part 107 Administrative practices and procedure, Hazardous materials transportation, Packaging and containers, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 49 CFR Part","truncated":true,"body_characters":109931}