46 U.S.C. § 80509: Civil penalty

Summary

If an owner, agent, or custodian is told by an order to stop a container from being moved and does not take quick, reasonable steps to stop it, they can be fined up to $5,000 for each container moved. Each day the container stays in service while the order is in effect counts as a separate violation. After notice and a chance for a hearing, the Secretary of the department that runs the Coast Guard will decide and collect the fine, weighing how serious the violation was, the dangers involved, and the person’s past record. The Secretary can reduce or cancel the fine, and unpaid fines are sent to the Attorney General to collect in federal court.

Title 46, §80509

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(a)In General.—

An owner, agent, or custodian who has been notified of an order issued under section 80505 of this title and fails to take reasonable and prompt action to prevent or stop a container subject to the order from being moved in violation of the order is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each container moved. Each day the container remains in service while the order is in effect is a separate violation.

(b)Assessment and Collection.—

(1)In general.—

After notice and an opportunity for a hearing, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall assess and collect any penalty under this section.

(2)Factors to consider.—

In determining the amount of the penalty, the Secretary shall consider the gravity of the violation, the hazards involved, and the record of the person charged with respect to violations of the Convention, this chapter, or regulations prescribed under this chapter.

(3)Remission, mitigation, or compromise.—

The Secretary may remit, mitigate, or compromise a penalty under this section.

(4)Enforcement.—

If a person fails to pay a penalty under this section, the Secretary shall refer the matter to the Attorney General for collection in an appropriate district court of the United States.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 8050946 App.:1505.Pub. L. 95–208, § 6, Dec. 13, 1977, 91 Stat. 1478. In subsection (a), the words “On and after the date the instrument of ratification is deposited by the United States in accordance with the provisions of article VII of the Convention” are omitted as obsolete. The words “liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty” are substituted for “subject to a civil penalty” for consistency in the revised title. In subsection (b)(2), the words “In determining the amount of” are substituted for “In assessing, remitting, mitigating, or compromising” to eliminate unnecessary words.

§80509 Civil Penalty

Summary

Title 46, §80509

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Citations & Metadata