Civil Monetary Penalties-2025 Adjustment
Published Date: 1/14/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 14, 2025, the Surface Transportation Board is raising its civil fines to keep up with inflation. This means companies involved in railroads, trucking, shipping, and pipelines will face slightly higher penalties if they break the rules. The changes make sure fines stay fair and effective by adjusting them every year based on the cost of living.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
STB-wide civil fines bumped for inflation
Starting January 14, 2025, the Surface Transportation Board raised all of its civil monetary penalties by multiplying each penalty by 1.02598. That factor reflects the change from the October 2023 CPI‑U (307.671) to the October 2024 CPI‑U (315.664). The adjusted penalty amounts apply only to violations that occur after January 14, 2025.
Higher fines for rail carriers
If you operate a rail carrier, several statutory fines increased effective January 14, 2025. For example, the maximum penalty under 49 U.S.C. 11901(a) rose from $9,718 in 2024 to $9,970 in 2025; this higher amount applies only to violations occurring after January 14, 2025.
Motor and water carrier penalties increased
Motor carriers, water carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders saw their statutory penalties increased effective January 14, 2025. For example, the maximum penalty for an undercharge or overcharge under 49 U.S.C. 14903(a) increased from $194,359 in 2024 to $199,408 in 2025; the new amounts apply only to violations after January 14, 2025.
Pipeline carrier penalties nudged upward
Pipeline carriers have their civil monetary penalties increased effective January 14, 2025. For example, the maximum penalty in 49 U.S.C. 16101(a) rose from $9,718 in 2024 to $9,970 in 2025; the adjusted amounts apply only to violations occurring after January 14, 2025.
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