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FMCSA Fines & Penalties Have Increased for 2024
Mariah Barr
5 mins read

You should always strive to avoid committing recordkeeping and CDL violations, but these higher penalties may be the extra motivation you need to stay compliant this year.

Trucking violation fines have gone up – again.

The FMCSA’s latest change took effect on December 28, 2023, and the fines have increased by a multiple of 1.03241, to be exact. While this may seem like a slight increase, it’s only adding to the ever-rising costs throughout the trucking industry, such as insurance premiumsCDL speeding ticket fines, and unfortunate accidents. And if you take a look at some of the maximum FMCSA fines and penalties below, you'll see that this increase isn't so small after all.

We’re more than familiar with the steep penalties for failing DOT safety inspections and committing recordkeeping violations, and this recent spike makes it even more important for companies to keep up with regular truck maintenance as well as up-to-date driver file management.

Get Your Free DOT  Recordkeeping Checklist

FMCSA’s civil penalties affected by this rule are all located in appendices A and B to 49 CFR part 386.

Below are some of the most prevalent commercial vehicle, recordkeeping, and CDL violations; the current fines; and the new fines for 2024. You can see the entire 2023 FMCSA penalty increase ruling here.

Violation Description 2023 Penalty 2024 Penalty
Out-of-service order (requiring or permitting operation of CMV by driver). $22,324 $23,048
Out-of-service order (operation by driver of CMV or intermodal equipment that was placed out of service). $2,232 $2,304
Out-of-service order (failure to return written certification of correction). $1,116 $1,152
Out-of-service order (failure to cease operations as ordered). $32,208 $33,252
Out-of-service order (conducting operations during suspension or revocation for failure to pay penalties). $18,170 $18,759
Employer violations pertaining to knowingly allowing, authorizing employee violations of out-of-service order (maximum penalty). $37,400 $38,612
Recordkeeping — maximum penalty per day $1,496 $1,544
Recordkeeping — maximum total penalty $14,960 $15,445
Knowing falsification of records $14,960 $15,445
Commercial driver’s license (CDL) violations $6,755 $6,974

One of the most prominent fine increases? The maximum daily penalty for committing DOT recordkeeping violations has increased to $1,544 from $1,496, and the maximum total penalty is now $15,445 instead of $14,960.

Failing to Prepare for DOT Audits is Preparing to Fail

What's another noteworthy FMCSA tactic that’s on the rise? Unannounced offsite DOT audits.

Technological advancements have made it easier for enforcement officers to complete audits faster than ever. In fact, offsite audits increased by a whopping 400% between 2019 and 2020. That’s not all – you may have only 48 hours to submit all of your driver records in a digital format.

With more DOT audits being conducted remotely (meaning an auditor doesn't even need to knock on your business' door to collect your records), you truly never know when or where you’ll be faced with an unexpected compliance evaluation.

What You Need to Know About  Offsite Compliance Audits

Take Control of Your DOT Compliance

The combination of increased FMCSA fines and penalties and surprise compliance reviews means it’s time to do your business audit before you’re faced with an official DOT audit.

Get DOT Audit Support Now

Keeping your driver files in order and audit-ready takes diligence, accuracy, and organization. If you’re not sure where to start, you may want to involve a compliance consultant who can help identify problem areas and provide suggestions on programs that will help bring you – and keep you – in full compliance.

Foley’s DOT compliance software keeps all your compliance programs in one place. You'll never have to worry about recordkeeping violations with your driver qualification files, drug and alcohol testing program, FMCSA Clearinghouse compliance, or other federal requirements.

Ready to avoid CDL violations and expensive fines like the ones above? Talk to one of our compliance experts today or fill out the form below! 

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