Like any decent regulatory agency, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT/PHMSA) issues monetary penalties for violations of its Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). And wouldn’t you know it, USDOT/PHMSA adjusts those penalties to keep pace with inflation. Below are the increased penalty amounts for 2019:
Note: all penalties are assessed per violation, per day.
- Maximum civil penalty for a violation of the HMR: $78,976. An increase from $78,376 in 2018.
- If the violation results in death, serious illness, severe injury, or substantial property damage: $186,610. An increase from $182,887 in 2018.
- The minimum penalty for a violation related to HazMat Employee training: $481. An increase of $10 from $471 in 2018.