As of December 30, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has implemented new maximum civil penalties for violations of hazardous materials (hazmat) regulations. Is your business prepared to avoid these new penalties?
Key Adjustments to Hazmat Civil Penalties for 2025
Hazardous Material Violations. The maximum penalty for standard violations of hazmat transportation laws has increased to $102,348 per violation, per day, reflecting a $2,591 increase from the previous amount.
Violations Resulting in Severe Injury or Death: For violations leading to death, serious illness, severe injury, or substantial property damage, the maximum penalty has risen to $238,809 per violation, per day, an increase of $6,047.
Training-Related Violations: The minimum penalty for failing to provide required hazmat training to employees is now $617 per employee, per day, up by $16. The maximum penalty for such training violations aligns with the general violation cap of $102,348.
These adjustments are part of the DOT’s annual review mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, ensuring that penalties maintain their deterrent effect by accounting for inflation.
Stay ahead of the curve and protect your business by staying compliant and avoiding costly mistakes with these tips.
- Know your waste generator status (VSQG, SQG, or LQG). Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) can generate unlimited amounts of hazardous waste, as long as it is managed in compliance with the regulations outlined in 40 CFR section 262.17. However, there are strict requirements regarding how long the waste can be accumulated and the types of containers used for storage. In contrast, Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQGs) and Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) are subject to specific limits on the amount of hazardous waste they can generate.
- Make sure staff training is up to date. All employees handling hazardous materials must receive thorough training in compliance with 49 CFR 172, Subpart H. Training should be completed within 90 days of employment and refreshed every three years.
- Inspect waste storage areas and satellite accumulation areas regularly. Regular audits and updates to hazmat handling procedures can help prevent violations and the associated financial penalties.
- Ship wastes as frequently as is practical. Noncompliance with hazmat shipping regulations can result in shipments being rejected by carriers or removed from transport, often leading to delays and the need to redo or expedite work to meet delivery deadlines. Moreover, transportation incidents such as leaks, spills, or fires caused by improper packaging or closures can pose serious risks to workers and public safety. These incidents must be reported to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Hazmat inspectors analyze these reports to identify facilities involved in hazardous materials shipping and prioritize them for inspections.
For more information on how AWT’s expert team can support your upcoming projects, give us a call at 1-800-732-7701.