Penalty Freeze! Transport Board Skips Inflation Bump for 2026
Published Date: 5/5/2026
Rule
Summary
The Surface Transportation Board usually raises fines each year to keep up with inflation, but for 2026, they won’t increase any penalties because the key inflation data wasn’t available. This affects anyone who might face fines from the Board, and the no-change rule kicks in starting May 5, 2026. So, penalties stay the same this year—no surprise hikes!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
No Penalty Increases for 2026
If your business is subject to Surface Transportation Board penalties, the Board will not raise civil monetary penalties for 2026. Following OMB guidance on April 17, 2026, the Board keeps 2026 penalty levels the same as 2025, effective May 5, 2026. Examples of unchanged amounts include $9,970 for many violations, $199,408 maximum for undercharge/overcharge violations, and $13,647 for certain unlawful brokerage penalties.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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