FMCSA Liability Increase 2026: What the Proposed $2M+ Minimum Means for Carriers

Quick Answer

As of the 2024 inflation adjustment, the maximum FMCSA civil penalty for general violations under 49 U.S.C. ยง 521(b)(2)(A) is $16,550 per violation. This amount is adjusted annually pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015 (P.L. 114-74). The adjustment is made by January 15 of each year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for the prior October. Hazmat violations carry a separate, higher maximum of $84,425 per violation under 49 U.S.C.

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