The DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration announced that increased maximum civil penalties are now in effect for violations of federal hazardous materials transportation regulations that lead to death, serious injuries or extensive property damage.

The increased penalties are being published in revisions to PHMSA’s regulations and reflect statutory changes in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21).

Civil penalties are assessed for knowingly violating a hazardous material transportation law or a regulation, order, special permit or approval issued under that law. MAP-21 provides that the following updated civil penalties apply to violations occurring on or after Oct. 1, 2012:

• The maximum civil penalty is increased from $55,000 to $75,000 for knowingly violating Federal hazardous material transportation

• The maximum civil penalty for knowingly violating laws and regulations that result in death, serious illness, severe injury to any person or substantial destruction of property is increased from $110,000 to $175,000;

• The $250 minimum civil penalty has been eliminated;

• The civil penalty for violations related to training has reverted to $450.

The final rule is available here.