{"operation":"document","citation":"88 FR 89551","title":"Revisions to Civil Penalty Amounts, 2024","source_type":"rulemaking","agency":"National Highway Traffic Safety Administration","status":"historical","official":true,"published_on":"2023-12-28","effective_on":"2023-12-28","summary":"This final rule provides the statutorily prescribed 2024 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-2023-28066.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/federal-register-2023-28066.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/federal-register-2023-28066","source_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/12/28/2023-28066/revisions-to-civil-penalty-amounts-2024","body":"Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 248 (Thursday, December 28, 2023) [Federal Register Volume 88, Number 248 (Thursday, December 28, 2023)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 89551-89568] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] [FR Doc No: 2023-28066] [[Page 89551]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Parts 13 and 406 Office of the Secretary 14 CFR Part 383 Great Lakes St. 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-AF16 Revisions to Civil Penalty Amounts, 2024 AGENCY: Department of Transportation (DOT or the Department). ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This final rule provides the statutorily prescribed 2024 adjustment to civil penalty amounts that may be imposed for violations of certain DOT regulations. DATES: This rule is effective December 28, 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\\ OMB released this required guidance in OMB Memorandum M-24-07, available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-for-agencies/memoranda/ , which provides instructions on how to calculate the 2024 annual adjustment. To derive the 2024 adjustment, the Department must multiply the maximum or minimum penalty amount by the percent change between the October 2023 Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) and the October 2022 CPI-U. In this case, as explained in OMB Memorandum M-24-07 the percent change between the October 2023 CPI-U and the October 2022 CPI-U is 1.03241.\\2\\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \\1\\ 28 U.S.C. 2461 note. \\2\\ Agencies may calculate the percent change using the CPI-U numbers, which are typically issued in November each year, and confirm their calculations upon issuance of the annual OMB guidance. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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) 2024 Adjustments OST's 2024 civil penalty adjustments are summarized in the chart below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.03241) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- General civil penalty for violations 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1).................... $40,272 $41,577 of certain aviation economic regulations and statutes. General civil penalty for violations 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1).................... 1,771 1,828 of certain aviation economic regulations and statutes involving an individual or small business concern. [[Page 89552]] Civil penalties for individuals or 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(A)................. 16,108 16,630 small 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 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(C)................. 8,054 8,315 small businesses for violations of 49 U.S.C. 41719 and rules and orders issued pursuant to that provision. Civil penalties for individuals or 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(D)................. 4,028 4,159 small 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) 2024 Adjustments FAA's 2024 civil penalty adjustments are summarized in the chart below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.03241) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Violation of hazardous materials 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)..................... $96,624 $99,756 transportation law. Violation of hazardous materials 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(2)..................... 225,455 232,762 transportation law resulting in death, serious illness, severe injury, or substantial property destruction. Minimum penalty for violation of 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(3)..................... 582 601 hazardous materials transportation law relating to training. Maximum penalty for violation of 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(3)..................... 96,624 99,756 hazardous materials transportation law relating to training. Knowing presentation of a 49 U.S.C. 44704(d)(3)(B)................. 1,144,489 1,181,582 nonconforming aircraft for issuance of an initial airworthiness certificate by a production certificate holder. Knowing failure by an applicant for 49 U.S.C. 44704(e)(4)(A)................. 1,144,489 1,181,582 or holder 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 49 U.S.C. 44802 note..................... 29,462 30,417 unmanned aircraft system equipped or armed with a dangerous weapon. Violation by a person other than an 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1).................... 40,272 41,577 individual or small business concern under 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1)(A) or (B). Violation by an airman serving as an 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1).................... 1,771 1,828 airman 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 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1).................... 1,771 1,828 business 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 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(A)................. 16,108 16,630 business 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 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(B)(i).............. 16,108 16,630 business concern related to the transportation of hazardous materials. Violation by an individual or small 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(B)(ii)............. 16,108 16,630 business 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 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(B)(iii)............ 16,108 16,630 business concern of 49 U.S.C. 44718(d), relating to limitation on construction or establishment of landfills. Violation by an individual or small 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(B)(iv)............. 16,108 16,630 business concern of 49 U.S.C. 44725, relating to the safe disposal of life-limited aircraft parts. Individual who aims the beam of a 49 U.S.C. 46301 note..................... 30,820 31,819 laser pointer 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)....................... 5,171 5,339 Knowingly providing false information 49 U.S.C. 46302.......................... 28,085 28,995 about alleged violation involving the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Physical or sexual assault or threat 49 U.S.C. 46318.......................... 42,287 43,658 to 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 49 U.S.C. 46319.......................... 16,108 16,630 without providing sufficient notice. Operating an unmanned aircraft and in 49 U.S.C. 46320.......................... 24,656 25,455 so doing knowingly or recklessly interfering with a wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response effort. Violation of 51 U.S.C. 50901-50923, a 51 U.S.C. 50917(c)....................... 283,009 292,181 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) 2024 Adjustments NHTSA's 2024 civil penalty adjustments are summarized in the chart below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.03241) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum penalty amount for each 49 U.S.C. 30165(a)(1), 30165(a)(3)....... $26,315 $27,168 violation of: 49 U.S.C. 30112, 30115, 30117-30122, 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 49 U.S.C. 30165(a)(1), 30165(a)(3)....... 131,564,183 135,828,178 series of violations of: 49 U.S.C. 30112, 30115, 30117-30122, 30123(a), 30125(c), 30127, 30141- 30147, 30166 or 31137, or a regulation prescribed under any of these sections. Maximum penalty per school bus 49 U.S.C. 30165(a)(2)(A)................. 14,960 15,445 related violation of 49 U.S.C. 30112(a)(1) or 30112(a)(2). Maximum penalty amount for a series 49 U.S.C. 30165(a)(2)(B)................. 22,440,526 23,167,823 of school bus related violations of 49 U.S.C. 30112(a)(1) or 30112(a)(2). [[Page 89553]] Maximum penalty per violation for 49 U.S.C. 30165(a)(4).................... 6,441 6,650 filing false or misleading reports. Maximum penalty amount for a series 49 U.S.C. 30165(a)(4).................... 1,288,315 1,330,069 of violations related to filing false or misleading reports. Maximum penalty amount for each 49 U.S.C. 30505.......................... 2,100 2,168 violation of the reporting requirements related to maintaining the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. Maximum penalty amount for each 49 U.S.C. 32507(a)....................... 3,446 3,558 violation of a bumper standard under 49 U.S.C. 32506. Maximum penalty amount for a series 49 U.S.C. 32507(a)....................... 3,837,393 3,961,763 of violations of a bumper standard under 49 U.S.C. 32506. Maximum penalty amount for each 49 U.S.C. 32308(b)....................... 3,446 3,558 violation of 49 U.S.C. 32308(a) related to providing information on crashworthiness and damage susceptibility. Maximum penalty amount for a series 49 U.S.C. 32308(b)....................... 1,879,489 1, 940,403 of violations of 49 U.S.C. 32308(a) related to providing information on crashworthiness and damage susceptibility. Maximum penalty for each violation 49 U.S.C. 32308(c)....................... 71,317 73,628 related to the tire fuel efficiency information program. Maximum civil penalty for willfully 49 U.S.C. 32309.......................... 2,100 2,168 failing to affix, or failing to maintain, the label required in 49 U.S.C. 32304. Maximum penalty amount per violation 49 U.S.C. 32709.......................... 12,882 13,300 related to odometer tampering and disclosure. Maximum penalty amount for a related 49 U.S.C. 32709.......................... 1,288,315 1,330,069 series of violations related to odometer tampering and disclosure. Maximum penalty amount per violation 49 U.S.C. 32710.......................... 12,882 13,300 related to odometer tampering and disclosure with intent to defraud. Maximum penalty amount for each 49 U.S.C. 33115(a)....................... 2,830 2,922 violation of 49 U.S.C. 33114(a)(1)- (4). Maximum penalty amount for a related 49 U.S.C. 33115(a)....................... 707,524 730,455 series of violations of 49 U.S.C. 33114(a)(1)-(4). Maximum civil penalty for violations 49 U.S.C. 33115(b)....................... 210,161 216,972 of 49 U.S.C. 33114(a)(5). Maximum civil penalty for violations 49 U.S.C 32912(a)........................ 49,534 51,139 under 49 U.S.C. 32911(a) related to automobile fuel economy. Civil penalty factor for violations 49 U.S.C. 32912(b)....................... 16 17 of fuel economy standards prescribed for a model year under 49 U.S.C. 32902 \\3\\. Maximum civil penalty factor that may 49 U.S.C. 32912(c)(1)(B)................. 31 32 be prescribed for fuel economy standards under 49 U.S.C. 32912(c)(1)(A). Maximum civil penalty for a violation 49 U.S.C. 32902.......................... 48,779 50,360 under the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fuel efficiency program. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \\3\\ 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; for model year 2024, the civil penalty is $17. D. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 2024 Adjustments FMCSA's civil penalties affected by this rule are all located in appendices A and B to 49 CFR part 386. The 2024 adjustments to these civil penalties are summarized in the chart below. Note that the civil penalties for violations of Appendix A IV (h) and (j) were incorrectly stated in the regulatory text of the 2023 update as $31,536 rather than $28,304 (88 FR 1114, 1130; Jan. 6, 2023), though these penalties were correctly stated in the preamble as updated from $26,269 as $28,304 (Id. at 1117). These errors have been corrected in this 2024 update. In addition, the civil penalties for violations of Appendix B (i)(1) and (2) were incorrectly stated in the regulatory text of the 2023 update as $6,247 rather than $6,441 (Id. at 1131), though these penalties were correctly stated in the preamble as updated from $5,978 to $6,441 (Id. at 1119). These errors have also been corrected in this 2024 update. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.03241) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Appendix A II Subpoena............... 49 U.S.C. 525............................ $1,288 $1,330 Appendix A II Subpoena............... 49 U.S.C. 525............................ 12,882 13,300 Appendix A IV (a) Out-of-service 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)...................... 2,232 2,304 order (operation of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) by driver). Appendix A IV (b) Out-of-service 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)...................... 22,324 23,048 order (requiring or permitting operation of CMV by driver). Appendix A IV (c) Out-of-service 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)...................... 2,232 2,304 order (operation by driver of CMV or intermodal equipment that was placed out of service). Appendix A IV (d) Out-of-service 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)...................... 22,324 23,048 order (requiring or permitting operation of CMV or intermodal equipment that was placed out of service). Appendix A IV (e) Out-of-service 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B)................... 1,116 1,152 order (failure to return written certification of correction). Appendix A IV (g) Out-of-service 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(F)................... 32,208 33,252 order (failure to cease operations as ordered). Appendix A IV (h) Out-of-service 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)...................... 28,304 29,221 order (operating in violation of order). Appendix A IV (i) Out-of-service 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A) and (b)(7)........ 18,170 18,759 order (conducting operations during suspension or revocation for failure to pay penalties). Appendix A IV (j) (conducting 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(7)...................... 28,304 29,221 operations during suspension or revocation). Appendix B (a)(1) Recordkeeping-- 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B)(i)................ 1,496 1,544 maximum penalty per day. Appendix B (a)(1) Recordkeeping-- 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B)(i)................ 14,960 15,445 maximum total penalty. Appendix B (a)(2) Knowing 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(B)(ii)............... 14,960 15,445 falsification of records. Appendix B (a)(3) Non-recordkeeping 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A)................... 18,170 18,759 violations. Appendix B (a)(4) Non-recordkeeping 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(A)................... 4,543 4,690 violations by drivers. Appendix B (a)(5) Violation of 49 CFR 49 U.S.C. 31310(i)(2)(A)................. 3,740 3,861 392.5 (first conviction). Appendix B (a)(5) Violation of 49 CFR 49 U.S.C. 31310(i)(2)(A)................. 7,481 7,723 392.5 (second or subsequent conviction). Appendix B (b) Commercial driver's 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(C)................... 6,755 6,974 license (CDL) violations. Appendix B (b)(1): Special penalties 49 U.S.C. 31310(i)(2)(A)................. 3,740 3,861 pertaining to violation of out-of- service orders (first conviction). Appendix B (b)(1) Special penalties 49 U.S.C. 31310(i)(2)(A)................. 7,481 7,723 pertaining 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)................... 6,755 6,974 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)................. 37,400 38,612 pertaining to knowingly allowing, authorizing employee violations of out-of-service order (maximum penalty). [[Page 89554]] Appendix B (b)(3) Special penalties 49 U.S.C. 31310(j)(2)(B)................. 19,389 20,017 pertaining to railroad-highway grade crossing violations. Appendix B (d) Financial 49 U.S.C. 31138(d)(1), 31139(g)(1)....... 19,933 20,579 responsibility violations. Appendix B (e)(1) Violations of 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)..................... 96,624 99,756 Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (transportation or shipment of hazardous materials). Appendix B (e)(2) Violations of 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(3)..................... 582 601 Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (training)--minimum penalty. Appendix B (e)(2): Violations of 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)..................... 96,624 99,756 Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (training)--maximum penalty. Appendix B (e)(3) Violations of 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)..................... 96,624 99,756 Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (packaging or container). Appendix B (e)(4): Violations of 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)..................... 96,624 99,756 Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (compliance with FMCSRs). Appendix B (e)(5) Violations of 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(2)..................... 225,455 232,762 Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and Safety Permitting Regulations (death, serious illness, severe injury to persons; destruction of property). Appendix B (f)(1) Operating after 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(F)................... 32,208 33,252 being declared unfit by assignment of a final ``unsatisfactory'' safety rating (generally). Appendix B (f)(2) Operating after 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(1)..................... 96,624 99,756 being declared unfit by assignment of a final ``unsatisfactory'' safety rating (hazardous materials)-- maximum penalty. Appendix B (f)(2): Operating after 49 U.S.C. 5123(a)(2)..................... 225,455 232,762 being 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)....................... 12,882 13,300 commercial regulations (CRs) (property carriers). Appendix B (g)(2) Violations of the 49 U.S.C. 14916(c)....................... 12,882 13,300 CRs (brokers). Appendix B (g)(3) Violations of the 49 U.S.C. 14901(a)....................... 32,208 33,252 CRs (passenger carriers). Appendix B (g)(4) Violations of the 49 U.S.C. 14901(a)....................... 12,882 13,300 CRs (foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers). Appendix B (g)(5) Violations of the 49 U.S.C. 14901 note..................... 17,717 18,291 operating authority requirement (foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers)--maximum penalty for intentional violation. Appendix B (g)(5) Violations of the 49 U.S.C. 14901 note..................... 44,294 45,730 operating authority requirement (foreign motor carriers, foreign motor private carriers)--maximum penalty for a pattern of intentional violations. Appendix B (g)(6) Violations of the 49 U.S.C. 14901(b)....................... 25,767 26,602 CRs (motor carrier or broker for transportation of hazardous wastes)-- minimum penalty. Appendix B (g)(6) Violations of the 49 U.S.C. 14901(b)....................... 51,533 53,203 CRs (motor carrier or broker for transportation of hazardous wastes)-- maximum penalty. Appendix B (g)(7): Violations of the I49 U.S.C. 14901(d)(1)................... 1,937 2,000 CRs (household goods (HHG) carrier or freight forwarder, or their receiver or trustee). Appendix B (g)(8) Violation of the 49 U.S.C. 14901(e)....................... 3,879 4,005 CRs (weight of HHG shipment, charging for services)--minimum penalty for first violation. Appendix B (g)(8) Violation of the 49 U.S.C. 14901(e)....................... 9,695 10,009 CRs (weight of HHG shipment, charging for services)--minimum penalty for subsequent violation. Appendix B (g)(10) Tariff violations. 49 U.S.C. 13702, 14903................... 193,890 200,174 Appendix B (g)(11) Additional tariff 49 U.S.C. 14904(a)....................... 387 400 violations (rebates or concessions)-- first violation. Appendix B (g)(11) Additional tariff 49 U.S.C. 14904(a)....................... 484 500 violations (rebates or concessions)-- subsequent violations. Appendix B (g)(12): Tariff violations 49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(1).................... 971 1,002 (freight forwarders)--maximum penalty for first violation. Appendix B (g)(12): Tariff violations 49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(1).................... 3,879 4,005 (freight forwarders)--maximum penalty for subsequent violations. Appendix B (g)(13): service from 49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(2).................... 971 1,002 freight forwarder at less than rate in effect--maximum penalty for first violation. Appendix B (g)(13): service from 49 U.S.C. 14904(b)(2).................... 3,879 4,005 freight forwarder at less than rate in effect--maximum penalty for subsequent violation(s). Appendix B (g)(14): Violations 49 U.S.C. 14905.......................... 19,389 20,017 related to loading and unloading motor vehicles. Appendix B (g)(16): Reporting and 49 U.S.C. 14901.......................... 1,288 1,330 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.......................... 9,695 10,009 recordkeeping under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B--maximum penalty. Appendix B (g)(17): Unauthorized 49 U.S.C. 14908.......................... 3,879 4,005 disclosure of information. Appendix B (g)(18): Violation of 49 49 U.S.C. 14910.......................... 971 1,002 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B, or condition of registration. Appendix B (g)(21)(i): Knowingly and 49 U.S.C. 14915.......................... 19,389 20,017 willfully fails to deliver or unload HHG at destination. Appendix B (g)(22): HHG broker 49 U.S.C. 14901(d)(2).................... 14,960 15,445 estimate before entering into an agreement with a motor carrier. Appendix B (g)(23): HHG 49 U.S.C. 14901 (d)(3)................... 37,400 38,612 transportation or broker services-- registration requirement. Appendix B (h): Copying of records 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(E)................... 1,496 1,544 and access to equipment, lands, and buildings--maximum penalty per day. Appendix B (h): Copying of records 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(2)(E)................... 14,960 15,445 and access to equipment, lands, and buildings--maximum total penalty. Appendix B (i)(1): Evasion of 49 U.S.C. 524............................ 2,577 2,661 regulations 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 49 U.S.C. 524............................ 6,441 6,650 regulations 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 49 U.S.C. 524............................ 3,219 3,323 regulations 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 49 U.S.C. 524............................ 9,652 9,965 regulations 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 49 U.S.C. 14906.......................... 2,577 2,661 regulations under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B--minimum penalty for first violation. Appendix B (i)(2): Evasion of 49 U.S.C. 14906.......................... 6,441 6,650 regulations under 49 U.S.C. subtitle IV, part B--minimum penalty for subsequent violation(s). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 89555]] E. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) 2024 Adjustments FRA's 2024 civil penalty adjustments are summarized in the chart below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.03241) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minimum rail safety penalty......... 49 U.S.C. ch. 213........................ $1,052 $1,086 Ordinary maximum rail safety penalty 49 U.S.C. ch. 213........................ 34,401 35,516 Maximum penalty for an aggravated 49 U.S.C. ch. 213........................ 137,603 142,063 rail safety violation. Minimum penalty for hazardous 49 U.S.C. 5123........................... 582 601 materials training violations. Maximum penalty for ordinary 49 U.S.C. 5123........................... 96,624 99,756 hazardous materials violations. Maximum penalty for aggravated 49 U.S.C. 5123........................... 225,455 232,762 hazardous materials violations. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- F. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) 2024 Adjustments PHMSA'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 2024 civil penalty adjustments are summarized in the chart below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.03241) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum penalty for hazardous 49 U.S.C. 5123........................... $96,624 $99,756 materials violation. Maximum penalty for hazardous 49 U.S.C. 5123........................... 225,455 232,762 materials violation that results in death, serious illness, or severe injury to any person or substantial destruction of property. Minimum penalty for hazardous 49 U.S.C. 5123........................... 582 601 materials training violations. Maximum penalty for each pipeline 49 U.S.C. 60122(a)(1).................... 257,664 266,015 safety violation. Maximum penalty for a related series 49 U.S.C. 60122(a)(1).................... 2,576,627 2,660,135 of pipeline safety violations. Maximum additional penalty for each 49 U.S.C. 60122(a)(2).................... 94,128 97,179 liquefied natural gas pipeline facility violation. Maximum penalty for discrimination 49 U.S.C. 60122(a)(3).................... 1,496 1,544 against employees providing pipeline safety information. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- G. Maritime Administration (MARAD) 2024 Adjustments MARAD's 2024 civil penalty adjustments are summarized in the chart below. Note that the penalty in the regulatory text at 46 CFR 221.61(b) for violations of 46 U.S.C. 56010(e) was stated in error as $22,750 in the 2023 civil penalties rule update (88 FR 1114, 1124), though it was correctly stated in the preamble of the that rule as $24,905, updated from the 2022 civil penalty of $23,115 (Id. at 1120). This error has been corrected in this 2024 update. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x 1.03241) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum civil penalty for a single 46 U.S.C. 31309.......................... 24,746 25,548 violation 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 46 U.S.C. 31330.......................... 61,982 63,991 violation of 46 U.S.C. 31329 as it relates to the court sales of documented vessels. Maximum civil penalty for a single 46 U.S.C. 56101(e)....................... 24,905 25,712 violation 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 46 U.S.C. 50113(b)....................... 157 162 file an Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER) report. Maximum civil penalty for violating 50 U.S.C. 4513........................... 31,326 32,341 procedures for the use and allocation of shipping services, port facilities and services for national security and national defense operations. Maximum civil penalty for violations 46 U.S.C. 12151.......................... 181,713 187,602 in applying for or renewing a vessel's fishery endorsement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- H. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) 2024 Adjustments The 2024 civil penalty adjustment for GLS is as follows: [[Page 89556]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New penalty Existing (existing Description Citation penalty penalty x1.03241) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum civil penalty for each 33 U.S.C. 1232........................... $111,031 $114,630 violation of 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, 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 a","truncated":true,"body_characters":111004}