Penalties

Penalties for violating the HMR are assessed based on the following criteria:

• Nature and circumstances of the violation
• Extent and gravity of the violation
• Degree of culpability
• History of prior violations
• Ability to pay
• Effect of penalty on the ability to stay in business

The following civil penalties apply for knowingly violating the HMR:

• Minimum penalty of $250 per violation
• Minimum penalty of $463 for training violations
• Maximum assessment of $77,114 per violation
• Maximum assessment of $179,933 if the violation results in death, serious illness, or severe injury of any person, or substantial destruction of property

The following criminal penalties apply for willful or reckless violations of the HMR:

• Up to $250,000 and five years imprisonment for an individual
• Up to $500,000 and five years imprisonment for a corporation
• Up to 10 years imprisonment for willful violation involving the release of a hazardous material that results in death or bodily injury

To learn more about DOT HAZMAT Awareness visit our DOT HAZMAT General Awareness Online Training web page.