You’ve had to live with the new HOS rules for 3 months, and from what we have heard here at BigRoad, those 3 months haven’t been easy. And sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but higher fines are in the cards with the rule changes made by the FMCSA.
After reading the article “Higher Fines are among FMCSA Rules Changes,” the first thought that came to mind was “typical” and “of course.” Here’s the list of major changes outlined in the article.
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The fine for violating reporting and record-keeping requirements has been bumped from $500 to $1,000.
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The fine for violating registration requirements has been bumped from $500 to $10,000.
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The fine for transporting hazmats has gone from a maximum of $20,000 to a minimum of $20,000 and a maximum of $40,000.
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The maximum fine for failing to obey a subpoena or an agency order to testify has gone from $5,000 to $10,000.
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The penalty for violating an out-of-service order following a finding of being unfit or an imminent hazard is $25,000.
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Willful violation of the rules can cost up to $5,000 for the first instance and $7,000 for the second.
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The fine for hazmat violations that lead to death or severe injury has jumped significantly, from a maximum of $100,000 to $175,000.
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Brokers and freight forwarders must maintain a bond of at least $75,000.
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New entrants to the business now must undergo a safety review within a year of beginning operations, rather than the 18 months that was formerly required.
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Formerly, the agency could put a truck out of service for operating without registration or outside the scope of its registration. Now it can put the entire company out of service.
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Formerly, an employer was forbidden from letting a driver drive when he knew that the person had lost his license. Now the standard is, knows or should reasonably know.
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The agency used to consider a carrier’s ability to pay, among other factors, when assessing a fine. Now it will not.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel! BigRoad can help you lower your costs immediately. Our team understands that life on the road has become less enjoyable, and we have developed our program to bring ease to your day.
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