49 C.F.R. PART 209—RAILROAD SAFETY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES


Title 49 - Transportation


Title 49: Transportation

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PART 209—RAILROAD SAFETY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES

Section Contents

Subpart A—General

§ 209.1   Purpose.
§ 209.3   Definitions.
§ 209.5   Service.
§ 209.6   Requests for admission.
§ 209.7   Subpoenas; witness fees.
§ 209.8   Depositions in formal proceedings.
§ 209.9   Filing.
§ 209.11   Request for confidential treatment.
§ 209.13   Consolidation.
§ 209.15   Rules of evidence.
§ 209.17   Motions.

Subpart B—Hazardous Materials Penalties


Civil Penalties

§ 209.101   Civil penalties generally.
§ 209.103   Minimum and maximum penalties.
§ 209.105   Notice of probable violation.
§ 209.107   Reply.
§ 209.109   Payment of penalty; compromise.
§ 209.111   Informal response and assessment.
§ 209.113   Request for hearing.
§ 209.115   Hearing.
§ 209.117   Presiding officer's decision.
§ 209.119   Assessment considerations.
§ 209.121   Appeal.

Criminal Penalties

§ 209.131   Criminal penalties generally.
§ 209.133   Referral for prosecution.

Subpart C—Compliance Orders

§ 209.201   Compliance orders generally.
§ 209.203   Notice of investigation.
§ 209.205   Reply.
§ 209.207   Consent order.
§ 209.209   Hearing.
§ 209.211   Presiding officer's decision.
§ 209.213   Appeal.
§ 209.215   Time limitation.

Subpart D—Disqualification Procedures

§ 209.301   Purpose and scope.
§ 209.303   Coverage.
§ 209.305   Notice of proposed disqualification.
§ 209.307   Reply.
§ 209.309   Informal response.
§ 209.311   Request for hearing.
§ 209.313   Discovery.
§ 209.315   Subpoenas.
§ 209.317   Official record.
§ 209.319   Prehearing conference.
§ 209.321   Hearing.
§ 209.323   Initial decision.
§ 209.325   Finality of decision.
§ 209.327   Appeal.
§ 209.329   Assessment considerations.
§ 209.331   Enforcement of disqualification order.
§ 209.333   Prohibitions.
§ 209.335   Penalties.
§ 209.337   Information collection.

Subpart E—Reporting of Remedial Actions

§ 209.401   Purpose and scope.
§ 209.403   Applicability.
§ 209.405   Reporting of remedial actions.
§ 209.407   Delayed reports.
§ 209.409   Penalties.
Appendix A to Part 209—Statement of Agency Policy Concerning Enforcement of the Federal Railroad Safety Laws
Appendix B to Part 209—Federal Railroad Administration Guidelines for Initial Hazardous Materials Assessments
Appendix C to Part 209—FRA's Policy Statement Concerning Small Entities


Authority:  49 U.S.C. 20103, 20107, 20111, 20112, 20114; 28 U.S.C. 2461, note; and 49 CFR 1.49.

Source:  42 FR 56742, Oct. 28, 1977, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General
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§ 209.1   Purpose.
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Appendix A to this part contains a statement of agency policy concerning enforcement of those laws. This part describes certain procedures employed by the Federal Railroad Administration in its enforcement of statutes and regulations related to railroad safety. By delegation from the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator has responsibility for:

(a) Enforcement of subchapters B and C of chapter I, subtitle B, title 49, CFR, with respect to the transportation or shipment of hazardous materials by railroad (49 CFR 1.49(s));

(b) Exercise of the authority vested in the Secretary by the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, 45 U.S.C. 421, 431–441, as amended by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 1988, Public Law 100–342 (June 22, 1988) (49 CFR 1.49(m)); and

(c) Exercise of the authority vested in the Secretary pertaining to railroad safety as set forth in the statutes transferred to the Secretary by section 6(e) of the Department of Transportation Act, 49 App. U.S.C. 1655(e) (49 CFR 1.49 (c), (d), (f), and (g)).

[42 FR 56742, Oct. 28, 1977, as amended at 53 FR 52920, Dec. 29, 1988; 54 FR 42905, Oct. 18, 1989]

§ 209.3   Definitions.
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As used in this part—

Administrator means the Administrator of FRA, the Deputy Administrator of FRA, or the delegate of either.

Chief Counsel means the Chief Counsel of FRA or his or her delegate.

Day means calendar day.

Federal railroad safety laws means the provisions of law generally at 49 U.S.C. subtitle V, part A or 49 U.S.C. chap. 51 or 57 and the rules, regulations, orders, and standards issued under any of those provisions. See Pub. L. 103–272 (1994). Before recodification, these statutory provisions were contained in the following statutes: (i) the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (Safety Act) (49 U.S.C. 20101–20117, 20131, 20133–20141, 20143, 21301, 21302, 21304, 21311, 24902, and 24905, and sections 4(b)(1), (i), and (t) of Pub. L. 103–272, formerly codified at 45 U.S.C. 421, 431 et seq.); (ii) the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (Hazmat Act) (49 U.S.C. 5101 et seq., formerly codified at 49 App. U.S.C. 1801 et seq.); (iii) the Sanitary Food Transportation Act of 1990 (SFTA) (49 U.S.C. 5713, formerly codified at 49 App. U.S.C. 2801 (note)); and those laws transferred to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Transportation by subsection (e)(1), (2), and (6)(A) of section 6 of the Department of Transportation Act (DOT Act), as in effect on June 1, 1994 (49 U.S.C. 20302, 21302, 20701–20703, 20305, 20502–20505, 20901, 20902, and 80504, formerly codified at 49 App. U.S.C. 1655(e)(1), (2), and (6)(A)). 49 U.S.C. 20111 and 20109, formerly codified at 45 U.S.C. 437 (note) and 441(e). Those laws transferred by the DOT Act include, but are not limited to, the following statutes: (i) the Safety Appliance Acts (49 U.S.C. 20102, 20301, 20302, 20304, 21302, and 21304, formerly codified at 45 U.S.C. 1–14, 16); (ii) the Locomotive Inspection Act (49 U.S.C. 20102, 20701–20703, 21302, and 21304, formerly codified at 45 U.S.C. 22–34); (iii) the Accident Reports Act (49 U.S.C. 20102, 20701, 20702, 20901–20903, 21302, 21304, and 21311, formerly codified at 45 U.S.C. 38–43); (iv) the Hours of Service Act (49 U.S.C. 20102, 21101–21107, 21303, and 21304, formerly codified at 45 U.S.C. 61–64b); and (v) the Signal Inspection Act (49 U.S.C. 20102, 20502–20505, 20902, 21302, and 21304, formerly codified at 49 App. U.S.C. 26).

FRA means the Federal Railroad Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation.

FRA Safety Inspector means an FRA safety inspector, a state inspector participating in railroad safety investigative and surveillance activities under part 212 of this chapter, or any other official duly authorized by FRA.

Motion means a request to a presiding officer to take a particular action.

Person generally includes all categories of entities covered under 1 U.S.C. 1, including but not limited to the following: a railroad; any manager, supervisor, official, or other employee or agent of a railroad; any owner, manufacturer, lessor, or lessee of railroad equipment, track, or facilities; any independent contractor providing goods or services to a railroad; and any employee of such owner, manufacturer, lessor, lessee, or independent contractor; however, person, when used to describe an entity that FRA alleges to have committed a violation of the provisions of law formerly contained in the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act or contained in the Hazardous Materials Regulations, has the same meaning as in 49 U.S.C. 5102(9) (formerly codified at 49 App. U.S.C. 1802(11)), i.e., an individual, firm, copartnership, corporation, company, association, joint-stock association, including any trustee, receiver, assignee, or similar representative thereof, or government, Indian tribe, or authority of a government or tribe when offering hazardous material for transportation in commerce or transporting hazardous material to further a commercial enterprise, but such term does not include the United States Postal Service or, for the purposes of 49 U.S.C. 5123–5124 (formerly contained in sections 110 and 111 of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and formerly codified at 49 App. U.S.C. 1809–1810), a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Government.

Pleading means any written submission setting forth claims, allegations, arguments, or evidence.

Presiding Officer means any person authorized to preside over any hearing or to make a decision on the record, including an administrative law judge.

Railroad means any form of nonhighway ground transportation that runs on rails or electro-magnetic guideways, including (i) commuter or other short-haul railroad passenger service in a metropolitan or suburban area and commuter railroad service that was operated by the Consolidated Rail Corporation on January 1, 1979; and (ii) high speed ground transportation systems that connect metropolitan areas, without regard to whether those systems use new technologies not associated with traditional railroads; but does not include rapid transit operations in an urban area that are not connected to the general railroad system of transportation.

Respondent means a person upon whom FRA has served a notice of probable violation, notice of investigation, or notice of proposed disqualification.

[59 FR 43676, Aug. 24, 1994]

§ 209.5   Service.
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(a) Each order, notice, or other document required to be served under this part shall be served personally or by registered or certified mail, except as otherwise provided herein.

(b) Service upon a person's duly authorized representative constitutes service upon that person.

(c) Service by registered or certified mail is complete upon mailing. An official United States Postal Service receipt from the registered or certified mailing constitutes prima facie evidence of service.

(d) Service of requests for admission and motions may be made by first-class mail, postage prepaid.

(e) Each pleading must be accompanied by a certificate of service specifying how and when service was made.

[42 FR 56742, Oct. 28, 1977, as amended at 54 FR 42906, Oct. 18, 1989]

§ 209.6   Requests for admission.
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(a) A party to any proceeding under subpart B, C, or D of this part may serve upon any other party written requests for the admission of the genuineness of any relevant documents identified within the request, the truth of any relevant matters of fact, and the application of law to the facts as set forth in the request.

(b) Each matter of which an admission is requested shall be deemed to be admitted unless, within 30 days after receipt of the request, the party to whom the request is directed serves upon the party requesting the admission a written answer under oath or objection addressed to the matter, signed by the party.

(c) The sworn answer shall specifically admit or deny the matter or set forth in detail the reasons why the answering party cannot truthfully admit or deny the matter. If an objection is made, the reasons therefor shall be stated.

(d) Any matter admitted under this section is conclusively established unless the presiding official permits withdrawal or amendment of the admission for good cause shown.

(e) Upon motion, the presiding officer may order any party to respond to a request for admission.

[54 FR 42906, Oct. 18, 1989]

§ 209.7   Subpoenas; witness fees.
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(a) The Chief Counsel may issue a subpoena on his or her own initiative in any matter related to enforcement of the railroad safety laws. However, where a proceeding under subpart B, C, or D of this part has been initiated, only the presiding officer may issue subpoenas, and only upon the written request of any party to the proceeding who makes an adequate showing that the information sought will materially advance the proceeding.

(b) A subpoena may require attendance of a witness at a deposition or hearing or the production of documentary or other tangible evidence in the possession or control of the person served, or both.

(c) A subpoena may be served personally by any person who is not an interested person and is not less than eighteen (18) years of age, or by certified or registered mail.

(d) Service of a subpoena shall be made by delivering a copy of the subpoena in the appropriate manner, as set forth below. Service of a subpoena requiring attendance of a person is not complete unless delivery is accompanied by tender of fees for one day's attendance and mileage as specified by paragraph (f) of this section. However, when a subpoena is issued upon the request of any officer or agency of the United States, fees and mileage need not be tendered at the time of service but will be paid by FRA at the place and time specified in the subpoena for attendance.

Delivery of a copy of the subpoena may be made:

(1) To a natural person by:

(i) Handing it to the person;

(ii) Leaving it at his or her office with the person in charge thereof;

(iii) Leaving it at his or her dwelling place or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein;

(iv) Mailing it by registered or certified mail to him or her at his or her last known address; or

(v) Any method whereby actual notice of the issuance and content is given (and the fees are made available) prior to the return date.

(2) To an entity other than a natural person by:

(i) Handing a copy of the subpoena to a registered agent for service or to any officer, director, or agent in charge of any office of the person;

(ii) Mailing it by registered or certified mail to any representative listed in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section at his or her last known address; or

(iii) Any method whereby actual notice is given to such representative (and the fees are made available) prior to the return date.

(e) The original subpoena bearing a certificate of service shall be filed in accordance with §209.9.

(f) A witness subpoenaed by the FRA shall be entitled to the same fees and mileage as would be paid to a witness in a proceeding in the district courts of the United States. See 28 U.S.C. 1821. The witness fees and mileage shall be paid by the person requesting that the subpoena be issued. In an appropriate case, the Chief Counsel or the hearing officer may direct the person requesting issuance of a subpoena for the production of documentary or other tangible evidence to reimburse the responding person for actual costs of producing and/or transporting such evidence.

(g) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (f) of this section, and upon request, witness fees and mileage or the costs of producing other evidence may be paid by the FRA if the official who issued the subpoena determines on the basis of good cause shown that:

(1) The presence of the subpoenaed witness or evidence will materially advance the proceedings; and

(2) The party at whose instance the subpoena was issued would suffer a serious financial hardship if required to pay the witness fees and mileage.

(h) Any person to whom a subpoena is directed may, prior to the time specified therein for compliance, but in no event more than ten (10) days after the date of service of such subpoena, apply in writing to the official who issued the subpoena, or if that person is unavailable, to the Chief Counsel, to quash or modify the subpoena. The application shall contain a brief statement of the reasons relied upon in support of the action sought therein. The issuing official or the Chief Counsel, as the case may be, may:

(1) Deny the application;

(2) Quash or modify the subpoena; or

(3) In the case of subpoena to produce documentary or other tangible evidence, condition denial of the application upon the advancement by the party in whose behalf the subpoena is issued of the reasonable cost of producing the evidence.

(i) If there is a refusal to obey a subpoena served upon any person under the provisions of this section, the FRA may request the Attorney General to seek the aid of the United States District Court for any district in which the person is found to compel that person, after notice, to appear and give testimony, or to appear and produce the subpoenaed documents before the FRA, or both.

(j) Attendance of any FRA employee engaged in an investigation which gave rise to a proceeding under subpart B or C of this part for the purpose of eliciting factual testimony may be assured by filing a request with the Chief Counsel at least fifteen (15) days before the date of the hearing. The request must indicate the present intent of the requesting person to call the employee as a witness and state generally why the witness will be required.

[42 FR 56742, Oct. 28, 1977, as amended at 54 FR 42906, Oct. 18, 1989]

§ 209.8   Depositions in formal proceedings.
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(a) Any party to a proceeding under subpart B, C, or D of this part may take the testimony of any person, including a party, by deposition upon oral examination on order of the presiding officer following the granting of a motion under paragraph (b) of this section. Depositions may be taken before any disinterested person who is authorized by law to administer oaths. The attendance of witnesses may be compelled by subpoena as provided in §209.7 and, for proceedings under subpart D of this part, §209.315.

(b) Any party desiring to take the deposition of a witness shall file and serve a written motion setting forth the name of the witness; the date, time, and place of the deposition; the subject matter of the witness' expected testimony; whether any party objects to the taking of the deposition; and the reasons for taking such deposition. Such motion shall be granted only upon a showing of good cause. Good cause exists to take a person's deposition when the information sought is relevant to the subject matter involved in the proceeding and:

(1) The information is not obtainable from some other source that is more convenient, less burdensome, and less expensive; or

(2) The request is not unreasonably cumulative, unduly burdensome, or unduly expensive, taking into account the needs of the case, limitations on the parties' resources, and the importance of the issues in the case.

(c) Such notice as the presiding officer shall order will be given for the taking of a deposition, but this shall not be less than 10 days' written notice unless the parties agree to a shorter period.

(d) Each witness testifying upon deposition shall be sworn and the adverse party shall have the right to cross-examine. The questions propounded and the answers thereto, together with all objections made, shall be reduced to writing, subscribed by the witness, and certified by the reporter.

(e) Depositions taken under this section may be used for discovery, to contradict or impeach the testimony of the deponent as a witness, or as evidence in the proceeding as permitted by paragraph (f) of this section and in accordance with the limitations of Fed. R. Civ. Pro. 32 as though it were applicable to these proceedings.

(f) Subject to such objections to the questions and answers as were noted at the time of taking the deposition and as would be valid were the witness personally present and testifying, such deposition may be offered in evidence by any party to the proceeding.

[54 FR 42906, Oct. 18, 1989]

§ 209.9   Filing.
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All materials filed with FRA or any FRA officer in connection with a proceeding under subpart B, C, or D of this part shall be submitted in duplicate to the Assistant Chief Counsel for Safety, (RCC–30), Office of Chief Counsel, Federal Railroad Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, except that documents produced in accordance with a subpoena shall be presented at the place and time specified by the subpoena.

[54 FR 42906, Oct. 18, 1989]

§ 209.11   Request for confidential treatment.
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(a) This section governs the procedures for requesting confidential treatment of any document filed with or otherwise provided to FRA in connection with its enforcement of statutes or FRA regulations related to railroad safety. For purposes of this section, “enforcement” shall include receipt of documents required to be submitted by FRA regulations, and all investigative and compliance activities, in addition to the development of violation reports and recommendations for prosecution.

(b) A request for confidential treatment with respect to a document or portion thereof may be made on the basis that the information is—

(1) Exempt from the mandatory disclosure requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552);

(2) Required to be held in confidence by 18 U.S.C. 1905; or

(3) Otherwise exempt by law from public disclosure.

(c) Any document containing information for which confidential treatment is requested shall be accompanied at the time of filing by a statement justifying nondisclosure and referring to the specific legal authority claimed.

(d) Any document containing any information for which confidential treatment is requested shall be marked “CONFIDENTIAL” or “CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION” in bold letters. If confidentiality is requested as to the entire document, or if it is claimed that nonconfidential information in the document is not reasonably segregable from confidential information, the accompanying statement of justification shall so indicate. If confidentiality is requested as to a portion of the document, then the person filing the document shall file together with the document a second copy of the document from which the information for which confidential treatment is requested has been deleted. If the person filing a document of which only a portion is requested to be held in confidence does not submit a second copy of the document with the confidential information deleted. FRA may assume that there is no objection to public disclosure of the document in its entirety.

(e) FRA retains the right to make its own determination with regard to any claim of confidentiality. Notice of a decision by the FRA to deny a claim, in whole or in part, and an opportunity to respond shall be given to a person claiming confidentiality of information no less than five days prior to its public disclosure.

[42 FR 56742, Oct. 28, 1977, as amended at 70 FR 11094, Mar. 7, 2005]

§ 209.13   Consolidation.
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At the time a matter is set for hearing under subpart B, C, or D of this part, the Chief Counsel may consolidate the matter with any similar matter(s) pending against the same respondent or with any related matter(s) pending against other respondent(s) under the same subpart. However, on certification by the presiding officer that a consolidated proceeding is unmanageable or otherwise undesirable, the Chief Counsel will rescind or modify the consolidation.

[54 FR 42906, Oct. 18, 1989]

§ 209.15   Rules of evidence.
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The Federal Rules of Evidence for United States Courts and Magistrates shall be employed as general guidelines for proceedings under subparts B, C, and D of this part. However, all relevant and material evidence shall be received into the record.

[54 FR 42907, Oct. 18, 1989]

§ 209.17   Motions.
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Motions shall be in writing, filed with the presiding officer, and copies served upon the parties in accordance with §209.5, except that oral motions may be made during the course of any hearing or appearance before the presiding officer. Each motion shall state the particular order, ruling, or action desired and the grounds therefor. Unless otherwise specified by the presiding officer, any objection to a written motion must be filed within 10 days after receipt of the motion.

[54 FR 42907, Oct. 18, 1989]

Subpart B—Hazardous Materials Penalties
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Civil Penalties
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§ 209.101   Civil penalties generally.
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(a) Sections 209.101 through 209.121 prescribe rules of procedure for the assessment of civil penalties pursuant to the Federal hazardous materials transportation safety law, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 51.

(b) When the FRA has reason to believe that a person has knowingly committed an act which is a violation of any provision of subchapter B or C of chapter I, subtitle B of this title for which the FRA exercises enforcement responsibility or any waiver or order issued thereunder, it may conduct a proceeding to assess a civil penalty.

[42 FR 56742, Oct. 28, 1977, as amended at 61 FR 38646, July 25, 1996]

§ 209.103   Minimum and maximum penalties.
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A person who knowingly violates a requirement of subchapter A or C of chapter I, Subtitle B of this title is liable for a civil penalty of at least $275 but not more than $32,500 for each violation. When the violation is a continuing one, each day of the violation constitutes a separate offense. 49 U.S.C. 5123.

[61 FR 38646, July 25, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 11619, Mar. 10, 1998; 69 FR 30591, May 28, 2004]

§ 209.105   Notice of probable violation.
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(a) FRA, through the Chief Counsel, begins a civil penalty proceeding by serving a notice of probable violation on a person charging him or her with having violated one or more provisions of subchapter A or C of chapter I, subtitle B of this title. Appendix B to this part contains guidelines used by the chief counsel in making initial penalty assessments.

(b) A notice of probable violation issued under this section includes:

(1) A statement of the provision(s) which the respondent is believed to have violated;

(2) A statement of the factual allegations upon which the proposed civil penalty is being sought;

(3) Notice of the maximum amount of civil penalty for which the respondent may be liable;

(4) Notice of the amount of the civil penalty proposed to be assessed;

(5) A description of the manner in which the respondent should make payment of any money to the United States;

(6) A statement of the respondent's right to present written explanations, information or any materials in answer to the charges or in mitigation of the penalty; and

(7) A statement of the respondent's right to request a hearing and the procedures for requesting a hearing.

(c) The FRA may amend the notice of probable violation at any time prior to the entry of an order assessing a civil penalty. If the amendment contains any new material allegation of fact, the respondent is given an opportunity to respond. In an amended notice, FRA may change the penalty amount proposed to be assessed up to and including the maximum penalty amount of $32,500 for each violation.

[42 FR 56742, Oct. 28, 1977, as amended at 61 FR 38646, July 25, 1996; 69 FR 30591, May 28, 2004]

§ 209.107   Reply.
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(a) Within thirty (30) days of the service of a notice of probable violation issued under §209.105, the respondent may—

(1) Pay as provided in §209.109(a) and thereby close the case;

(2) Make an informal response as provided in §209.111; or

(3) Request a hearing as provided in §209.113.

(b) The Chief Counsel may extend the thirty (30) days period for good cause shown.

(c) Failure of the respondent to reply by taking one of the three actions described in paragraph (a) of this section within the period provided constitutes a waiver of his or her right to appear and contest the allegations and authorizes the Chief Counsel, without further notice to the respondent, to find the facts to be as alleged in the notice of probable violation and to assess an appropriate civil penalty.

§ 209.109   Payment of penalty; compromise.
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(a) Payment of a civil penalty should be made by certified check or money order payable to the Federal Railroad Administration and sent to the Accounting Division, Federal Railroad Administration, Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590.

(b) At any time before an order assessing a penalty is referred to the Attorney General for collection, the respondent may offer to compromise for a specific amount by contracting the Chief Counsel.

§ 209.111   Informal response and assessment.
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(a) If a respondent elects to make an informal response to a notice of probable violation, respondent shall submit to the Chief Counsel such written explanations, information or other materials as respondent may desire in answer to the charges or in mitigation of the proposed penalty.

(b) The respondent may include in his or her informal written response a request for a conference. Upon receipt of such a request, the Chief Counsel arranges for a conference as soon as practicable at a time and place of mutual convenience.

(c) Written explanations, information or materials, submitted by the respondent and relevant information presented during any conference held under this section are considered by the Chief Counsel in reviewing the notice of proposed violation and determining the fact of violation and the amount of any penalty to be assessed.

(d) After consideration of an informal response, including any relevant information presented at a conference, the Chief Counsel may dismiss the notice of probable violation in whole or in part. If he or she does not dismiss it in whole, he or she may issue an order assessing a civil penalty.

§ 209.113   Request for hearing.
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(a) If a respondent elects to request a hearing, he or she must submit a written request to the Chief Counsel referring to the case number which appeared on the notice of the probable violation. The request must—

(1) State the name and address of the respondent and of the person signing the request if different from the respondent;

(2) State with respect to each allegation whether it is admitted or denied; and

(3) State with particularity the issues to be raised by the respondent at the hearing.

(b) After a request for hearing which complies with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, the Chief Counsel schedules a hearing for the earliest practicable date.

(c) The Chief Counsel or the hearing officer appointed under §209.115 may grant extensions of the time of the commencement of the hearing for good cause shown.

§ 209.115   Hearing.
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(a) When a hearing is requested and scheduled under §209.113, a hearing officer designated by the Chief Counsel convenes and presides over the hearing. If requested by respondent and if practicable, the hearing is held in the general vicinity of the place where the alleged violation occurred, or at a place convenient to the respondent. Testimony by witnesses shall be given under oath and the hearing shall be recorded verbatim.

(b) The presiding official may:

(1) Administer oaths and affirmations;

(2) Issue subpoenas as provided by §209.7;

(3) Adopt procedures for the submission of evidence in written form;

(4) Take or cause depositions to be taken;

(5) Rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;

(6) Examine witnesses at the hearing;

(7) Convene, recess, reconvene, and adjourn and otherwise regulate the course of the hearing;

(8) Hold conferences for settlement, simplification of the issues or any other proper purpose; and

(9) Take any other action authorized by or consistent with the provisions of this subpart pertaining to civil penalties and permitted by law which may expedite the hearing or aid in the disposition of an issue raised, therein.

(c) The Chief Counsel has the burden of providing the facts alleged in the notice of proposed violation and may offer such relevant information as may be necessary fully to inform the presiding officer as to the matter concerned.

(d) The respondent may appear and be heard on his or her own behalf or through counsel of his or her choice. The respondent or his or her counsel may offer relevant information including testimony which he or she believes should be considered in defense of the allegations or which may bear on the penalty proposed to be assessed and conduct such cross-examination as may be required for a full disclosure of the material facts.

(e) At the conclusion of the hearing or as soon thereafter as the hearing officer shall provide, the parties may file proposed findings and conclusions, together with supporting reasons.

[42 FR 56742, Oct. 28, 1977; 42 FR 59755, Nov. 21, 1977]

§ 209.117   Presiding officer's decision.
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(a) After consideration of the evidence of record, the presiding officer may dismiss the notice of probable violation in whole or in part. If the presiding officer does not dismiss it in whole, he or she will issue and serve on the respondent an order assessing a civil penalty. The decision of the presiding officer will include a statement of findings and conclusions as well as the reasons therefor on all material issues of fact, law, and discretion.

(b) If, within twenty (20) days after service of an order assessing a civil penalty, the respondent does not pay the civil penalty or file an appeal as provided in §209.121, the case may be referred to the Attorney General with a request that an action to collect the penalty be brought in the appropriate United States District Court.

§ 209.119   Assessment considerations.
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The assessment of a civil penalty under §209.117 is made only after considering:

(a) The nature and circumstances of the violation;

(b) The extent and gravity of the violation;

(c) The degree of the respondent's culpabilty;

(d) The respondent's history of prior offenses;

(e) The respondent's ability to pay;

(f) The effect on the respondent's ability to continue in business; and

(g) Such other matters as justice may require.

§ 209.121   Appeal.
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(a) Any party aggrieved by a presiding officer's decision or order issued under §209.117 assessing a civil penalty may file an appeal with the Administrator. The appeal must be filed within twenty (20) days of service of the presiding officer's order.

(b) Prior to rendering a final determination on an appeal, the Administrator may remand the case for further proceedings before the hearing officer.

(c) In the case of an appeal by a respondent, if the Administrator affirms the assessment and the respondent does not pay the civil penalty within twenty (20) days after service of the Administrator's decision on appeal, the matter may be referred to the Attorney General with a request that an action to collect the penalty be brought in the appropriate United States District Court.

Criminal Penalties
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§ 209.131   Criminal penalties generally.
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The Federal hazardous materials transportation safety laws (49 U.S.C. 5124) provide a criminal penalty of a fine under title 18, United States Code, and imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, for any person who knowingly violates 49 U.S.C. 5104(b) or who willfully violates chapter 51 of title 49, United States Code, or a regulation prescribed or order issued under that chapter.

[61 FR 38647, July 25, 1996]

§ 209.133   Referral for prosecution.
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If an inspector, including a certified state inspector under Part 212 of this chapter, or other employee of FRA becomes aware of a possible willful violation of the Federal hazardous materials transportation safety laws (49 U.S.C. Chapter 51) or a regulation issued under those laws for which FRA exercises enforcement responsibility, he or she reports it to the Chief Counsel. If evidence exists tending to establish a prima facie case, and if it appears that assessment of a civil penalty would not be an adequate deterrent to future violations, the Chief Counsel refers the report to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution of the offender.

[61 FR 38647, July 25, 1996]

Subpart C—Compliance Orders
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§ 209.201   Compliance orders generally.
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(a) This subpart prescribes rules of procedure leading to the issuance of compliance orders pursuant to the Federal railroad safety laws at 49 U.S.C. 5121(a) and/or 20111(b).

(b) The FRA may commence a proceeding under this subpart when FRA has reason to believe that a person is engaging in conduct or a pattern of conduct that involves one or more violations of the Federal railroad safety laws or any regulation or order issued under those laws for which FRA exercises enforcement authority.

[61 FR 38647, July 25, 1996]

§ 209.203   Notice of investigation.
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(a) FRA begins a compliance order proceeding by serving a notice of investigation on the respondent.

(b) The notice of investigation contains:

(1) A statement of the legal authority for the proceeding;

(2) A statement of the factual allegations upon which the remedial action is being sought; and

(3) A statement of the remedial action being sought in the form of a proposed compliance order.

(c) The FRA may amend the notice of investigation at any time prior to the entry of a final compliance order. If an amendment includes any new material allegation of fact or seeks new or additional remedial action, the respondent is given an opportunity to respond.

§ 209.205   Reply.
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(a) Within thirty (30) days of service of a notice of investigation, the respondent may file a reply with the FRA. The Chief Counsel may extend the time for filing for good cause shown.

(b) The reply must be in writing, signed by the person filing it, and state with respect to each factual allegation whether it is admitted or denied. Even though formally denied, a factual allegation set forth in a notice of investigation is considered to be admitted for purposes of the proceeding unless:

(1) Opposed by the affidavit of an individual having personal knowledge of the subject matter;

(2) Challenged as defective on its face together with a supporting explanation as to why it is believed to be defective; or

(3) Otherwise actively put at issue through the submission of relevant evidence.

(c) The reply must set forth any affirmative defenses and include a statement of the form and nature of proof by which those defenses are to be established.

(d) If it is necessary to respond to an amendment to the notice of investigation, the respondent may amend the reply concerning the substance of matters contained in the amendment to the notice at any time before the issuance of an order under §209.211.

(e) If the respondent elects not to contest one or more factual allegations, he or she should so state in the reply. An election not to contest a factual allegation is an admission of that allegation solely for the purpose of issuing a compliance order. That election constitutes a waiver of hearing as to that allegation but does not, by itself, constitute a waiver of the right to be heard on other issues. In connection with a statement of election not to contest a factual allegation, the respondent may propose an appropriate order for issuance by the Administrator or propose the negotiation of a consent order.

(f) Failure of the respondent to file a reply within the period provided constitutes a waiver of his or her right to appear and contest the allegation and authorizes the Administrator, without further notice to the respondent, to find the facts to be as alleged in the notice of proposed violation and to issue an appropriate order directing compliance.

§ 209.207   Consent order.
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(a) At any time before the issuance of an order under §209.211, the Chief Counsel and the respondent may execute an agreement proposing the entry by consent of an order directing compliance. The Administrator may accept the proposed order by signing it. If the Administrator rejects the proposed order, he or she directs that the proceeding continue.

(b) An agreement submitted to the Administrator under this section must include:

(1) A proposed compliance order suitable for the Administrator's signature;

(2) An admission of all jurisdictional facts;

(3) An express waiver of further procedural steps and of all right to seek judicial review or otherwise challenge or contest the validity of the order; and

(4) An acknowledgment that the notice of investigation may be used to construe the terms of the order.

§ 209.209   Hearing.
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(a) When a respondent files a reply contesting allegations in a notice of investigation issued under §209.203 or when the FRA and the respondent fail to agree upon an acceptable consent order, the hearing officer designated by the Chief Counsel convenes and presides over a hearing on the proposed compliance order.

(b) The presiding official may:

(1) Administer oaths and affirmations;

(2) Issue subpoenas as provided by §209.7;

(3) Adopt procedures for the submission of evidence;

(4) Take or cause depositions to be taken;

(5) Rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;

(6) Examine witnesses at the hearing;

(7) Convene, recess, reconvene, ad- journ and otherwise regulate the course of the hearing;

(8) Hold conferences for settlement, simplification of the issues or any other proper purpose; and

(9) Take any other action authorized by or consistent with the provisions of this subpart pertaining to compliance orders and permitted by law which may expedite the hearing or aid in the disposition of an issue raised therein.

(c) The Chief Counsel has the burden of providing the facts alleged in the notice of investigation and may offer such relevant information as may be necessary fully to inform the presiding officer as to the matter concerned.

(d) The respondent may appear and be heard on his or her own behalf or through counsel of his or her choice. The respondent or his or her counsel may offer relevant information, including testimony which he or she believes should be considered in defense of the allegations or which may bear on the remedial action being sought, and conduct such cross-examination as may be required for a full disclosure of the material facts.

(e) At the conclusion of the hearing or as soon thereafter as the hearing officer shall provide, the parties may file proposed findings and conclusions, together with supporting reasons therefor.

§ 209.211   Presiding officer's decision.
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(a) After consideration of evidence, the presiding officer may dismiss the notice of investigation or issue a compliance order. The decision of the presiding officer will include a statement of findings and conclusions as well as the reasons therefor on all material issues of fact, law, and discretion.

(b) A compliance order issued under this section is effective twenty (20) days from service on the respondent unless otherwise provided therein.

§ 209.213   Appeal.
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(a) Any party aggrieved by a presiding officer's decision may file an appeal with the Administrator. The appeal must be filed within twenty (20) days after service of the presiding officer's decision.

(b) Prior to rendering a final determination on an appeal, the Administrator may remand the case for further proceedings before the hearing officer.

(c) The filing of an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of a compliance order unless the Administrator expressly so provides.

§ 209.215   Time limitation.
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A proceeding for the issuance of a compliance order under the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, as amended, shall be completed within twelve (12) months after issuance of the notice of investigation.

Subpart D—Disqualification Procedures
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Source:  54 FR 42907, Oct. 18, 1989, unless otherwise noted.

§ 209.301   Purpose and scope.
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(a) This subpart prescribes the rules of practice for administrative proceedings relating to the determination of an individual's fitness for performing safety-sensitive functions under section 209(f) of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (45 U.S.C. 438(f)).

(b) The purpose of this subpart is to prevent accidents and casualties in railroad operations that result from the presence in the work force of railroad employees, including managers and supervisors, and agents of railroads who have demonstrated their unfitness to perform the safety-sensitive functions described in §209.303 by violating any rule, regulation, order or standard prescribed by FRA. Employees and agents who evidence such unfitness may be disqualified, under specified terms and conditions, temporarily or permanently, from performing such safety-sensitive functions.

(c) This subpart does not preempt a railroad from initiating disciplinary proceedings and imposing disciplinary sanctions against its employees, including managers and supervisors, under its collective bargaining agreements or in the normal and customary manner. Disqualification determinations made under this subpart shall have no effect on prior or subsequent disciplinary actions taken against such employees by railroads.

§ 209.303   Coverage.
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This subpart applies to the following individuals:

(a) Railroad employees who are assigned to perform service subject to the Hours of Service Act (45 U.S.C. 61–64b) during a duty tour, whether or not the person has performed or is currently performing such service, and any person who performs such service.

(b) Railroad employees or agents who:

(1) Inspect, install, repair, or maintain track and roadbed;

(2) Inspect, repair or maintain, locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars;

(3) Conduct training and testing of employees when the training or testing is required by the FRA's safety regulations; or

(c) Railroad managers, supervisors, or agents when they:

(1) Perform the safety-sensitive functions listed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section;

(2) Supervise and otherwise direct the performance of the safety-sensitive functions listed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section; or

(3) Are in a position to direct the commission of violations of any of the requirements of parts 213 through 236 of this title.

§ 209.305   Notice of proposed disqualification.
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(a) FRA, through the Chief Counsel, begins a disqualification proceeding by serving a notice of proposed disqualification on the respondent charging him or her with having violated one or more rules, regulations, orders, or standards promulgated by FRA, which render the respondent unfit to perform safety-sensitive functions described in §209.303.

(b) The notice of proposed disqualification issued under this section shall contain:

(1) A statement of the rule(s), regulation(s), order(s), or standard(s) that the respondent is alleged to have violated;

(2) A statement of the factual allegations that form the basis of the initial determination that the respondent is not fit to perform safety-sensitive functions;

(3) A statement of the effective date, duration, and other conditions, if any, of the disqualification order;

(4) A statement of the respondent's right to answer the charges in writing and furnish affidavits and any other documentary evidence in support of the answer;

(5) A statement of the respondent's right to make an informal response to the Chief Counsel;

(6) A statement of the respondent's right to request a hearing and the procedures for requesting a hearing;

(7) A statement of the respondent's right to counsel or other designated representative; and

(8) Notice of the consequences of the respondent's failure to take any of the actions described in §209.307(a).

(c) The Chief Counsel shall enclose with the notice of proposed disqualification a copy of the material that is relied on in support of the charges. Nothing in this section precludes the Chief Counsel from presenting at a subsequent hearing under §209.321 any evidence of the charges set forth in the notice that the Chief Counsel acquires after service thereof on the respondent. The Chief Counsel, however, shall serve a copy of any such evidence on the respondent at or before the prehearing conference required under §209.319. Failure to furnish such evidence to respondent at or before the prehearing conference bars its introduction at the hearing.

(d) The Chief Counsel shall provide a copy of the notice of proposed disqualification to the railroad that employs the respondent.

§ 209.307   Reply.
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(a) Within 30 days after receipt of the notice of proposed disqualification issued under §209.305, the respondent shall reply in writing to the charges. The respondent may furnish affidavits and any other documentary evidence in support of the reply. Further, the respondent may elect to—

(1) Stipulate to the charges and consent to the imposition of the disqualification order under the conditions set forth in the notice;

(2) Make an informal response as provided in §209.309; or

(3) Request a hearing as provided in §209.311.

(b) The Chief Counsel may extend the reply period for good cause shown, provided the request for extension is served before the expiration of the period provided in paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) Failure of the respondent to reply to the notice of proposed disqualification within the period provided in paragraph (a) of this section or an extension thereto provided under paragraph (b) of this section constitutes a waiver of the respondent's right to appear and contest the charges or the proposed disqualification. Respondent's failure to reply authorizes the Chief Counsel, without further notice to the respondent, to find the respondent unfit for the performance of the safety-sensitive functions described in §209.303 and to order the respondent disqualified from performing them for the period and under the other conditions described in the notice of proposed disqualification. The Chief Counsel shall serve respondent with the disqualification order and provide a copy of the order to the railroad by which the respondent is employed.

§ 209.309   Informal response.
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(a) If the respondent elects to make an informal response to a notice of proposed disqualification, he or she shall submit to the Chief Counsel such written explanations, information, or other materials as respondent may desire in answer to the charges or in mitigation of the proposed disqualification.

(b) The respondent may include in an informal written response a request for a conference. Upon receipt of such a request, the Chief Counsel shall arrange for a conference at a time and place designated by the Chief Counsel.

(c) Written explanations, information, or materials submitted by the respondent and relevant information presented during any conference held under this section shall be considered by the Chief Counsel in reviewing the notice of proposed disqualification, including the question of the respondent's fitness and the conditions of any disqualification that may be imposed.

(d) After consideration of an informal response, including any relevant information presented at a conference, the Chief Counsel shall take one of the following actions:

(1) Dismiss all the charges and terminate the notice of proposed disqualification;

(2) Dismiss some of the charges and mitigate the proposed disqualification;

(3) Mitigate the proposed disqualification; or

(4) Sustain the charges and proposed disqualification.

(e) Should the Chief Counsel sustain, in whole or in part, the charges and proposed disqualification and reach settlement with the respondent, the Chief Counsel shall issue an appropriate disqualification order reflecting the settlement and shall provide a copy of that order to the railroad by which the respondent is employed. The duration of the disqualification period may be less than, but shall be no greater than, the period set forth in the notice. Any settlement reached shall be evidenced by a written agreement, which shall include declarations from the respondent stipulating to the charges contained in the disqualification order, consenting to the imposition of the disqualification under the conditions set forth in the disqualification order, and waiving his or her right to a hearing.

(f) If settlement of the charges against the respondent is not achieved, the Chief Counsel shall terminate settlement discussions no later than 30 days from service of the informal response upon the Chief Counsel by serving respondent written notice of termination of settlement negotiations.

(g) By electing to make an informal response to a notice of proposed disqualification, the respondent does not waive the right to a hearing. However, the respondent must submit the hearing request required by §209.311(a) within l0 days after receipt of the notice of termination of settlement negotiations from the Chief Counsel. Failure to submit such a request constitutes a waiver of the respondent's right to appear and contest the charges or the proposed disqualification.

(h) The Chief Counsel may extend the period for requesting a hearing for good cause shown, provided the request for extension is served before the expiration of the period provided in paragraph (g) of this section.

§ 209.311   Request for hearing.
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(a) If the respondent elects to request a hearing, he or she must submit a written request within the time periods specified in §209.307(a) or §209.309(g) to the Chief Counsel referring to the case number that appears on the notice of proposed disqualification. The request must contain the following:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the respondent and of the respondent's designated representative, if any;

(2) A specific response admitting, denying, or explaining each allegation of the notice of disqualification order.

(3) A description of the claims and defenses to be raised by the respondent at the hearing; and

(4) The signature of the respondent or the representative, if any.

(b) Upon receipt of a request for a hearing complying with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, the Chief Counsel shall arrange for the appointment of a presiding officer and transmit the disqualification file to the presiding officer, who shall schedule the hearing for the earliest practicable date within the time period set by §209.321(a) of this subpart.

(c) Upon assignment of a presiding officer, further matters in the proceeding generally are conducted by and through the presiding officer, except that the Chief Counsel and respondent may settle or voluntarily dismiss the case without order of the presiding officer. The Chief Counsel shall promptly notify the presiding officer of any settlement or dismissal of the case.

§ 209.313   Discovery.
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(a) Disqualification proceedings shall be conducted as expeditiously as possible with due regard to the rights of the parties. Discovery is designed to enable a party to obtain relevant information needed for preparation of the party's case. These regulations are intended to provide a simple, timely, and relatively economical system for discovery. They shall be interpreted and applied so as to avoid delay and facilitate adjudication of the case.

(b) Discovery may be obtained by requests for admission under §209.6, requests for production of documentary or other tangible evidence under §209.7, and depositions under §209.8.

(c) A party may initiate the methods of discovery permitted under paragraph (b) of this section at any time after respondent requests a hearing under §209.311.

(d) Discovery shall be completed within 90 days after receipt of respondent's request for a hearing under §209.311. Upon motion for good cause shown, the presiding officer may extend this time period for an additional 30 days. The presiding officer may grant an additional 30 day extension only when the party requesting the extension shows by clear and convincing evidence that the party was unable to complete discovery within the prescribed time period through no fault or lack of due diligence of such party, and that denial of the request would result in irreparable prejudice.

(e) If a party fails to comply with a discovery order or an order to compel, the presiding officer may:

(1) Strike any appropriate part of the pleadings or other submissions of the party failing to comply with such order;

(2) Prohibit the party failing to comply with such order from introducing evidence relating to the information sought;

(3) Draw an inference in favor of the requesting party with regard to the information sought; and

(4) Permit the requesting party to introduce secondary evidence concerning the information sought.

§ 209.315   Subpoenas.
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Once a notice of proposed disqualification has been issued in a particular matter, only the presiding officer may issue, deny, quash, or modify subpoenas under this subpart in accordance with §209.7.

§ 209.317   Official record.
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The notice of proposed disqualification, respondent's reply, exhibits, and verbatim record of testimony, if a hearing is held, and all pleadings, stipulations, and admissions filed and rulings and orders entered in the course of the proceeding shall constitute the exclusive and official record.

§ 209.319   Prehearing conference.
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(a) The parties shall confer with the presiding officer, either in person or by telephone, for a conference at least 10 days before the hearing to consider:

(1) Formulation and simplification of the issues;

(2) Stipulations, admissions of fact, and admissions of the contents and authenticity of documents;

(3) Advance rulings from the presiding officer on the admissibility of evidence;

(4) Identification of witnesses, including the scope of their testimony, and of hearing exhibits;

(5) Possibility of settlement; and

(6) Such other matters as the presiding officer deems necessary to expedite the disposition of the proceeding.

(b) The record shall show the matters disposed of by order and by agreement in such a prehearing conference. The subsequent course of the hearing shall be controlled by such action.

(c) The prehearing conference shall be held within 150 days after receipt of respondent's request for a hearing under §209.311.

§ 209.321   Hearing.
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(a) Upon receipt of a hearing request complying with §209.311, an administrative hearing for review of a notice of proposed disqualification shall be conducted by a presiding officer, who can be any person authorized by the FRA Administrator, including an administrative law judge. The hearing shall begin within 180 days from receipt of respondent's hearing request. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given to the parties at least 20 days before the hearing. Testimony by witnesses shall be given under oath and the hearing shall be recorded verbatim. The hearing shall be open to the public, unless the presiding official determines that it would be in the best interests of the respondent, a witness, or other affected persons, to close all or any part of it. If the presiding official makes such a determination, an appropriate order, which sets forth the reasons therefor, shall be entered.

(b) The presiding officer may:

(1) Administer oaths and affirmations;

(2) Issue subpoenas as provided by §209.7;

(3) Adopt procedures for the submission of evidence in written form;

(4) Take or cause depositions to be taken as provided in §209.8;

(5) Rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;

(6) Examine witnesses at the hearing;

(7) Convene, recess, reconvene, adjourn, and otherwise regulate the course of the hearing;

(8) Hold conferences for settlement, simplification of the issues, or any other proper purpose; and

(9) Take any other action authorized by or consistent with the provisions of this subpart and permitted by law that may expedite the hearing or aid in the disposition of an issue raised therein.

(c) FRA has the burden of proof, by a preponderance of the evidence, as to the facts alleged in the notice of proposed disqualification, the reasonableness of the conditions of the qualification proposed, and, except as provided in §209.329(a), the respondent's lack of fitness to perform safety-sensitive functions. The Chief Counsel may offer relevant evidence, including testimony, in support of the allegations contained in the notice of proposed disqualification and conduct such cross-examination as may be required for a full disclosure of the material facts.

(d) The respondent may appear and be heard on respondent's own behalf or through respondent's designated representative. The respondent may offer relevant evidence, including testimony, in defense of the allegations or in mitigation of the proposed disqualification and conduct such cross-examination as may be required for a full disclosure of the material facts. Respondent has the burden of proof, by a preponderance of the evidence, as to any affirmative defense, including that respondent's actions were in obedience to the direct order of a railroad supervisor or higher level official.

(e) The record shall be closed at the conclusion of the hearing, unless the parties request the opportunity to submit proposed findings and conclusions. When the presiding officer allows the parties to submit proposed findings and conclusions, documents previously identified for introduction into evidence, briefs, or other posthearing submissions the record shall be left open for such time as the presiding officer grants for that purpose.

[54 FR 42907, Oct. 18, 1989, as amended at 60 FR 53136, Oct. 12, 1995]

§ 209.323   Initial decision.
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(a) The presiding officer shall prepare an initial decision after the closing of the record. The initial decision may dismiss the notice of proposed disqualification, in whole or in part, sustain the charges and proposed disqualification, or sustain the charges and mitigate the proposed disqualification.

(b) If the presiding officer sustains the charges and the proposed disqualification, dismisses some of the charges, or mitigates the proposed disqualification, the presiding officer shall issue and serve an appropriate order disqualifying respondent from engaging in the safety-sensitive functions described in §209.303. If the presiding officer dismisses all of the charges set forth in notice of proposed disqualification, a dismissal order shall be issued and served.

(c) Each initial decision shall contain:

(1) Findings of fact and conclusions of law, as well as the reasons or bases therefor, upon all the material issues of fact and law presented on the record;

(2) An order, as described in paragraph (b) of this section;

(3) The dates any disqualification is to begin and end and other conditions, if any, that the respondent must satisfy before the disqualification order is discharged;

(4) The date upon which the decision will become final, as prescribed in §209.325; and

(5) Notice of the parties' appeal rights, as prescribed in §209.327.

(d) The decision shall be served upon the FRA Chief Counsel and the respondent. The Chief Counsel shall provide a copy of the disqualification order to the railroad by which the respondent is employed.

§ 209.325   Finality of decision.
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(a) The initial decision of the presiding officer shall become final 35 days after issuance. Such decisions are not precedent.

(b) Exception. The initial decision shall not become final if, within 35 days after issuance of the decision, any party files an appeal under §209.327. The timely filing of such an appeal shall stay the order in the initial decision.

§ 209.327   Appeal.
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(a) Any party aggrieved by an initial decision issued under §209.323 may file an appeal. The appeal must be filed within 35 days of issuance of the initial decision with the Federal Railroad Administrator, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. A copy of the appeal shall be served on each party. The appeal shall set forth objections to the initial decision, supported by reference to applicable laws and regulations, and with specific reference to the record. If the Administrator has played any role in investigating, prosecuting, or deciding to prosecute the particular case, the Administrator shall recuse him or herself and delegate his or her authority under this section to a person not so involved.

(b) A party may file a reply to an appeal within 25 days of service of the appeal. If the party relies on evidence contained in the record for the reply, the party shall specifically refer to the pertinent evidence in the record.

(c) The Administrator may extend the period for filing an appeal or a response for good cause shown, provided the written request for extension is served before the expiration of the applicable period provided in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section.

(d) The Administrator has sole discretion to permit oral argument on the appeal. On the Administrator's own initiative or upon written motion by any party, the Administrator may determine that oral argument will contribute substantially to the development of the issues on appeal and may grant the parties an opportunity for oral argument.

(e) The Administrator may affirm, reverse, alter, or modify the decision of the presiding officer, or may remand the case for further proceedings before the presiding officer. The Administrator shall inform the parties and the presiding officer of his or her decision.

(f) The decision of the Administrator is final, constitutes final agency action, and is not subject to further administrative review.

§ 209.329   Assessment considerations.
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(a) Proof of a respondent's willful violation of one of the requirements of parts 213 through 236 (excluding parts 225, 228, and 233) of this title establishes a rebuttable presumption that the respondent is unfit to perform the safety-sensitive functions described in §209.303. Where such presumption arises, the respondent has the burden of establishing that, taking account of the factors in paragraph (b) of this section, he or she is fit to perform the foregoing safety-sensitive functions for the period and under the other conditions, if any, proposed in the notice of proposed disqualification.

(b) In determining respondent's lack of fitness to perform safety-sensitive functions and the duration and other conditions, if any, of appropriate disqualification orders under §§209.309, 209.323, and 209.327, the factors to be considered, to the extent: Each is pertinent to the respondent's case, include but are not limited to the following:

(1) The nature and circumstances of the violation, including whether the violation was intentional, technical, or inadvertent, was committed willfully, or was frequently repeated;

(2) The adverse impact or the potentially adverse impact of the violation on the health and safety of persons and the safety of property;

(3) The railroad's operating rules, safety rules, and repair and maintenance standards;

(4) Repair and maintenance standards adopted by the industry;

(5) The consistency of the conditions of the proposed disqualification with disqualification orders issued against other employees for the same or similar violations;

(6) Whether the respondent was on notice of any safety regulations that were violated or whether the respondent had been warned about the conduct in question;

(7) The respondent's past record of committing violations of safety regulations, including previous FRA warnings issued, disqualifications imposed, civil penalties assessed, railroad disciplinary actions, and criminal convictions therefor;

(8) The civil penalty scheduled for the violation of the safety regulation in question;

(9) Mitigating circumstances surrounding the violation, such as the existence of an emergency situation endangering persons or property and the need for the respondent to take immediate action; and

(10) Such other factors as may be warranted in the public interest.

§ 209.331   Enforcement of disqualification order.
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(a) A railroad that employs or formerly employed an individual serving under a disqualification order shall inform prospective or actual employers of the terms and conditions of the order upon receiving notice that the disqualified employee is being considered for employment with or is employed by another railroad to perform any of the safety-sensitive functions described in §209.303.

(b) A railroad that is considering hiring an individual to perform the safety-sensitive functions described in §209.303 shall ascertain from the individual's previous employer, if such employer was a railroad, whether the individual is subject to a disqualification order.

(c) An individual subject to a disqualification order shall inform his or her employer of the order and provide a copy thereof within 5 days after receipt of the order. Such an individual shall likewise inform any prospective employer who is considering hiring the individual to perform any of the safety-sensitive functions described in §209.303 of the order and provide a copy thereof within 5 days after receipt of the order or upon application for the position, whichever first occurs.

§ 209.333   Prohibitions.
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(a) An individual subject to a disqualification order shall not work for any railroad in any manner inconsistent with the order.

(b) A railroad shall not employ any individual subject to a disqualification order in any manner inconsistent with the order.

§ 209.335   Penalties.
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(a) Any individual who violates §209.331(c) or §209.333(a) may be permanently disqualified from performing the safety-sensitive functions described in §209.303. Any individual who willfully violates §209.331(c) or §209.333(a) may also be assessed a civil penalty of at least $1,000 and not more than $5,000 per violation.

(b) Any railroad that violates §209.331 (a) or (b) or §209.333(b) may be assessed a civil penalty of at least $5,000 and not more than $11,000 per violation.

(c) Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.

[54 FR 42907, Oct. 18, 1989, as amended at 63 FR 11619, Mar. 10, 1998]

§ 209.337   Information collection.
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The information collection requirements in §209.331 of this part have been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB control number 2130–0529.

[56 FR 66791, Dec. 26, 1991]

Subpart E—Reporting of Remedial Actions
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Source:  59 FR 43676, Aug. 24, 1994, unless otherwise noted.

§ 209.401   Purpose and scope.
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(a) The purpose of this subpart is to prevent accidents and casualties arising from the operation of a railroad that result from a railroad's failure to remedy certain violations of the Federal railroad safety laws for which assessment of a civil penalty has been recommended.

(b) To achieve this purpose, this subpart requires that if an FRA Safety Inspector notifies a railroad both that assessment of a civil penalty will be recommended for its failure to comply with a provision of the Federal railroad safety laws and that a remedial actions report must be submitted, the railroad shall report to the FRA Safety Inspector, within 30 days after the end of the calendar month in which such notification is received, actions taken to remedy that failure.

(c) This subpart does not relieve the railroad of the underlying responsibility to comply with a provision of the Federal railroad safety laws. The 30-day period after the end of the calendar month in which notification is received is intended merely to provide the railroad with an opportunity to prepare its report to FRA, and does not excuse continued noncompliance.

(d) This subpart requires the submission of remedial actions reports for the general categories of physical defects, recordkeeping and reporting violations, and filing violations, where the railroad can literally and specifically correct a failure to comply with a provision of the Federal railroad safety laws, as reasonably determined by the FRA Safety Inspector. No railroad is required to submit a report for a failure involving either a completed or past transaction or a transaction that it can no longer remedy.

§ 209.403   Applicability.
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This subpart applies to any railroad that receives written notification from an FRA Safety Inspector both (i) that assessment of a civil penalty will be recommended for its failure to comply with a provision of the Federal railroad safety laws and (ii) that it must submit a remedial actions report.

§ 209.405   Reporting of remedial actions.
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(a) Except as provided in §209.407, each railroad that has received written notification on Form FRA F 6180.96 from an FRA Safety Inspector both that assessment of a civil penalty will be recommended for the railroad's failure to comply with a provision of the Federal railroad safety laws and that it must submit a remedial actions report, shall report on this form all actions that it takes to remedy that failure. The railroad shall submit the completed form to the FRA Safety Inspector within 30 days after the end of the calendar month in which the notification is received.

(1) Date of receipt of notification. If the FRA Safety Inspector provides written notification to the railroad by first class mail, then for purposes of determining the calendar month in which notification is received, the railroad shall be presumed to have received the notification five business days following the date of mailing.

(2) Completion of Form FRA F 6180.96, including selection of railroad remedial action code. Each railroad shall complete the remedial actions report in the manner prescribed on the report form. The railroad shall select the one remedial action code on the reporting form that most accurately reflects the action or actions that it took to remedy the failure, such as, repair or replacement of a defective component without movement, movement of a locomotive or car for repair (where permitted) and its subsequent repair, completion of a required test or inspection, removal of a noncomplying item from service but not for repair (where permitted), reduction of operating speed (where sufficient to achieve compliance), or any combination of actions appropriate to remedy the noncompliance cited. Any railroad selecting the remedial action code “other remedial actions” shall also furnish FRA with a brief narrative description of the action or actions taken.

(3) Submission of Form FRA F 6180.96. The railroad shall return the form by first class mail to the FRA Safety Inspector whose name and address appear on the form.

(b) Any railroad concluding that the violation alleged on the inspection report may not have occurred may submit the remedial actions report with an appropriate written explanation. Failure to raise all pertinent defenses does not foreclose the railroad from doing so in response to a penalty demand.

§ 209.407   Delayed reports.
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(a) If a railroad cannot initiate or complete remedial actions within 30 days after the end of the calendar month in which the notification is received, it shall—

(1) Prepare, in writing, an explanation of the reasons for such delay and a good faith estimate of the date by which it will complete the remedial actions, stating the name and job title of the preparer and including either:

(i) A photocopy of both sides of the Form FRA F 6180.96 on which the railroad received notification; or

(ii) The following information:

(A) The inspection report number;

(B) The inspection date; and

(C) The item number; and

(2) Sign, date, and submit such written explanation and estimate, by first class mail, to the FRA Safety Inspector whose name and address appear on the notification, within 30 days after the end of the calendar month in which the notification is received.

(b) Within 30 days after the end of the calendar month in which all such remedial actions are completed, the railroad shall report in accordance with the remedial action code procedures referenced in §209.405(a). The additional time provided by this section for a railroad to submit a delayed report shall not excuse it from liability for any continuing violation of a provision of the Federal railroad safety laws.

§ 209.409   Penalties.
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Any person who violates any requirement of this subpart or causes the violation of any such requirement is subject to a civil penalty of at least $500 and not more than $11,000 per violation, except that: Penalties may be assessed against individuals only for willful violations, and, where a grossly negligent violation or a pattern of repeated violations has created an imminent hazard of death or injury to persons, or has caused death or injury, a penalty not to exceed $27,000 per violation may be assessed. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. A person may also be subject to the criminal penalties provided for in 49 U.S.C. 21311 (formerly codified in 45 U.S.C. 438(e)) for knowingly and willfully falsifying reports required by this subpart.

[59 FR 43676, Aug. 24, 1994, as amended at 63 FR 11619, Mar. 10, 1998; 69 FR 30592, May 28, 2004]

Appendix A to Part 209—Statement of Agency Policy Concerning Enforcement of the Federal Railroad Safety Laws
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The Federal Railroad Administration (“fra”) enforces the federal railroad safety statutes under delegation from the Secretary of Transportation. See 49 CFR 1.49 (c), (d), (f), (g), and (m). Those statutes include the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (“Safety Act”), 45 U.S.C. 421 et seq., and a group of statutes enacted prior to 1970 referred to collectively herein as the “older safety statutes”: The Safety Appliance Acts, 45 U.S.C. 1–16; the Locomotive Inspection Act, 45 U.S.C. 22–34; the Accident Reports Act, 45 U.S.C. 38–43; the Hours of Service Act, 45 U.S.C. 61–64b; and the Signal Inspection Act, 49 App. U.S.C. 26. Regulations implementing those statutes are found at 49 CFR parts 213 through 236. The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 1988 (Pub. L. No. 100–342, enacted June 22, 1988) (“RSIA”) raised the maximum civil penalties available under the railroad safety laws and made individuals liable for willful violations of those laws. FRA also enforces the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 App. U.S.C. 1801 et seq., as it pertains to the shipment or transportation of hazardous materials by rail.

The Civil Penalty Process

The front lines in the civil penalty process are the FRA safety inspectors: FRA employs over 300 inspectors, and their work is supplemented by approximately 100 inspectors from states participating in enforcement of the federal rail safety laws. These inspectors routinely inspect the equipment, track, and signal systems and observe the operations of the nation's railroads. They also investigate hundreds of complaints filed annually by those alleging noncompliance with the laws. When inspection or complaint investigation reveals noncompliance with the laws, each noncomplying condition or action is listed on an inspection report. Where the inspector determines that the best method of promoting compliance is to assess a civil penalty, he or she prepares a violation report, which is essentially a recommendation to the FRA Office of Chief Counsel to assess a penalty based on the evidence provided in or with the report.

In determining which instances of noncompliance merit penalty recommendations, the inspector considers:

(1) The inherent seriousness of the condition or action;

(2) The kind and degree of potential safety hazard the condition or action poses in light of the immediate factual situation;

(3) Any actual harm to persons or property already caused by the condition or action;

(4) The offending person's (i.e., railroad's or individual's) general level of current compliance as revealed by the inspection as a whole;

(5) The person's recent history of compliance with the relevant set of regulations, especially at the specific location or division of the railroad involved;

(6) Whether a remedy other than a civil penalty (ranging from a warning on up to an emergency order) is more appropriate under all of the facts; and

(7) Such other factors as the immediate circumstances make relevant.

The civil penalty recommendation is reviewed at the regional level by a specialist in the subject matter involved, who requires correction of any technical flaws and determines whether the recommendation is consistent with national enforcement policy in similar circumstances. Guidance on that policy in close cases is sometimes sought from Office of Safety headquarters. Violation reports that are technically and legally sufficient and in accord with FRA policy are sent from the regional office to the Office of Chief Counsel.

The exercise of this discretion at the field and regional levels is a vital part of the enforcement process, ensuring that the exacting and time-consuming civil penalty process is used to address those situations most in need of the deterrent effect of penalties. FRA exercises that discretion with regard to individual violators in the same manner it does with respect to railroads.

The Office of Chief Counsel's Safety Division reviews each violation report it receives from the regional offices for legal sufficiency and assesses penalties based on those allegations that survive that review. Historically, the Division has returned to the regional offices less than five percent of the reports submitted in a given year, often with a request for further work and resubmission.

Where the violation was committed by a railroad, penalties are assessed by issuance of a penalty demand letter that summarizes the claims, encloses the violation report with a copy of all evidence on which FRA is relying in making its initial charge, and explains that the railroad may pay in full or submit, orally or in writing, information concerning any defenses or mitigating factors. The railroad safety statutes, in conjunction with the Federal Claims Collection Act, authorize FRA to adjust or compromise the initial penalty claims based on a wide variety of mitigating factors. This system permits the efficient collection of civil penalties in amounts that fit the actual offense without resort to time-consuming and expensive litigation. Over its history, FRA has had to request that the Attorney General bring suit to collect a penalty on only a very few occasions.

Once penalties have been assessed, the railroad is given a reasonable amount of time to investigate the charges. Larger railroads usually make their case before FRA in an informal conference covering a number of case files that have been issued and investigated since the previous conference. Thus, in terms of the negotiating time of both sides, economies of scale are achieved that would be impossible if each case were negotiated separately. The settlement conferences, held either in Washington or another mutually agreed on location, include technical experts from both FRA and the railroad as well as lawyers for both parties. In addition to allowing the two sides to make their cases for the relative merits of the various claims, these conferences also provide a forum for addressing current compliance problems. Smaller railroads usually prefer to handle negotiations through the mail or over the telephone, often on a single case at a time. Once the two sides have agreed to an amount on each case, that agreement is put in writing and a check is submitted to FRA's accounting division covering the full amount agreed on.

Cases brought under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 App. U.S.C. 1801 et seq., are, due to certain statutory requirements, handled under more formal administrative procedures. See 49 CFR part 209, subpart B.

Civil Penalties Against Individuals

The RSIA amended the penalty provisions of the railroad safety statutes to make them applicable to any “person (including a railroad and any manager, supervisor, official, or other employee or agent of a railroad)” who fails to comply with the regulations or statutes. E.g., section 3 of the RSIA, amending section 209 of the Safety Act. However, the RSIA also provided that civil penalties may be assessed against individuals “only for willful violations.”

Thus, any individual meeting the statutory description of “person” is liable for a civil penalty for a willful violation of, or for willfully causing the violation of, the safety statutes or regulations. Of course, as has traditionally been the case with respect to acts of noncompliance by railroads, the FRA field inspector exercises discretion in deciding which situations call for a civil penalty assessment as the best method of ensuring compliance. The inspector has a range of options, including an informal warning, a more formal warning letter issued by the Safety Division of the Office of Chief Counsel, recommendation of a civil penalty assessment, recommendation of disqualification or suspension from safety-sensitive service, or, under the most extreme circumstances, recommendation of emergency action.

The threshold question in any alleged violation by an individual will be whether that violation was “willful.” (Note that section 3(a) of the RSIA, which authorizes suspension or disqualification of a person whose violation of the safety laws has shown him or her to be unfit for safety-sensitive service, does not require a showing of willfulness. Regulations implementing that provision are found at 49 CFR part 209, subpart D.) FRA proposed this standard of liability when, in 1987, it originally proposed a statutory revision authorizing civil penalties against individuals. FRA believed then that it would be too harsh a system to collect fines from individuals on a strict liability basis, as the safety statutes permit FRA to do with respect to railroads. FRA also believed that even a reasonable care standard (e.g., the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act's standard for civil penalty liability, 49 U.S.C. 1809(a)) would subject individuals to civil penalties in more situations than the record warranted. Instead, FRA wanted the authority to penalize those who violate the safety laws through a purposeful act of free will.

Thus, FRA considers a “willful” violation to be one that is an intentional, voluntary act committed either with knowledge of the relevant law or reckless disregard for whether the act violated the requirements of the law. Accordingly, neither a showing of evil purpose (as is sometimes required in certain criminal cases) nor actual knowledge of the law is necessary to prove a willful violation, but a level of culpability higher than negligence must be demonstrated. See Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Thurston, 469 U.S. 111 (1985); Brock v. Morello Bros. Constr., Inc. 809 F.2d 161 (1st Cir. 1987); and Donovan v. Williams Enterprises, Inc., 744 F.2d 170 (D.C. Cir. 1984).

Reckless disregard for the requirements of the law can be demonstrated in many ways. Evidence that a person was trained on or made aware of the specific rule involved—or, as is more likely, its corresponding industry equivalent—would suffice. Moreover, certain requirements are so obviously fundamental to safe railroading (e.g., the prohibition against disabling an automatic train control device) that any violation of them, regardless of whether the person was actually aware of the prohibition, should be seen as reckless disregard of the law. See Brock, supra, 809 F.2d 164. Thus, a lack of subjective knowledge of the law is no impediment to a finding of willfulness. If it were, a mere denial of the content of the particular regulation would provide a defense. Having proposed use of the word “willful,” FRA believes it was not intended to insulate from liability those who simply claim—contrary to the established facts of the case—they had no reason to believe their conduct was wrongful.

A willful violation entails knowledge of the facts constituting the violation, but actual, subjective knowledge need not be demonstrated. It will suffice to show objectively what the alleged violator must have known of the facts based on reasonable inferences drawn from the circumstances. For example, a person shown to have been responsible for performing an initial terminal air brake test that was not in fact performed would not be able to defend against a charge of a willful violation simply by claiming subjective ignorance of the fact that the test was not performed. If the facts, taken as a whole, demonstrated that the person was responsible for doing the test and had no reason to believe it was performed by others, and if that person was shown to have acted with actual knowledge of or reckless disregard for the law requiring such a test, he or she would be subject to a civil penalty.

This definition of “willful” fits squarely within the parameters for willful acts laid out by Congress in the RSIA and its legislative history. Section 3(a) of the RSIA amends the Safety Act to provide:

For purposes of this section, an individual shall be deemed not to have committed a willful violation where such individual has acted pursuant to the direct order of a railroad official or supervisor, under protest communicated to the supervisor. Such individual shall have the right to document such protest.

As FRA made clear when it recommended legislation granting individual penalty authority, a railroad employee should not have to choose between liability for a civil penalty or insubordination charges by the railroad. Where an employee (or even a supervisor) violates the law under a direct order from a supervisor, he or she does not do so of his or her free will. Thus, the act is not a voluntary one and, therefore, not willful under FRA's definition of the word. Instead, the action of the person who has directly ordered the commission of the violation is itself a willful violation subjecting that person to a civil penalty. As one of the primary sponsors of the RSIA said on the Senate floor:

This amendment also seeks to clarify that the purpose of imposing civil penalties against individuals is to deter those who, of their free will, decide to violate the safety laws. The purpose is not to penalize those who are ordered to commit violations by those above them in the railroad chain of command. Rather, in such cases, the railroad official or supervisor who orders the others to violate the law would be liable for any violations his order caused to occur. One example is the movement of railroad cars or locomotives that are actually known to contain certain defective conditions. A train crew member who was ordered to move such equipment would not be liable for a civil penalty, and his participation in such movements could not be used against him in any disqualification proceeding brought by FRA.

133 Cong. Rec. S.15899 (daily ed. Nov. 5, 1987) (remarks of Senator Exon).

It should be noted that FRA will apply the same definition of “willful” to corporate acts as is set out here with regard to individual violations. Although railroads are strictly liable for violations of the railroad safety laws and deemed to have knowledge of those laws, FRA's penalty schedules contain, for each regulation, a separate amount earmarked as the initial assessment for willful violations. Where FRA seeks such an extraordinary penalty from a railroad, it will apply the definition of “willful” set forth above. In such cases—as in all civil penalty cases brought by FRA—the aggregate knowledge and actions of the railroad's managers, supervisors, employees, and other agents will be imputed to the railroad. Thus, in situations that FRA decides warrant a civil penalty based on a willful violation, FRA will have the option of citing the railroad and/or one or more of the individuals involved. In cases against railroads other than those in which FRA alleges willfulness or in which a particular regulation imposes a special standard, the principles of strict liability and presumed knowledge of the law will continue to apply.

The RSIA gives individuals the right to protest a direct order to violate the law and to document the protest. FRA will consider such protests and supporting documentation in deciding whether and against whom to cite civil penalties in a particular situation. Where such a direct order has been shown to have been given as alleged, and where such a protest is shown to have been communicated to the supervisor, the person or persons communicating it will have demonstrated their lack of willfulness. Any documentation of the protest will be considered along with all other evidence in determining whether the alleged order to violate was in fact given.

However, the absence of such a protest will not be viewed as warranting a presumption of willfulness on the part of the employee who might have communicated it. The statute says that a person who communicates such a protest shall be deemed not to have acted willfully; it does not say that a person who does not communicate such a protest will be deemed to have acted willfully. FRA would have to prove from all the pertinent facts that the employee willfully violated the law. Moreover, the absence of a protest would not be dispositive with regard to the willfulness of a supervisor who issued a direct order to violate the law. That is, the supervisor who allegedly issued an order to violate will not be able to rely on the employee's failure to protest the order as a complete defense. Rather, the issue will be whether, in view of all pertinent facts, the supervisor intentionally and voluntarily ordered the employee to commit an act that the supervisor knew would violate the law or acted with reckless disregard for whether it violated the law.

FRA exercises the civil penalty authority over individuals through informal procedures very similar to those used with respect to railroad violations. However, FRA varies those procedures somewhat to account for differences that may exist between the railroad's ability to defend itself against a civil penalty charge and an individual's ability to do so. First, when the field inspector decides that an individual's actions warrant a civil penalty recommendation and drafts a violation report, the inspector or the regional director informs the individual in writing of his or her intention to seek assessment of a civil penalty and the fact that a violation report has been transmitted to the Office of Chief Counsel. This ensures that the individual has the opportunity to seek counsel, preserve documents, or take any other necessary steps to aid his or her defense at the earliest possible time.

Second, if the Office of Chief Counsel concludes that the case is meritorious and issues a penalty demand letter, that letter makes clear that FRA encourages discussion, through the mail, over the telephone or in person, of any defenses or mitigating factors the individual may wish to raise. That letter also advises the individual that he or she may wish to obtain representation by an attorney and/or labor representative. During the negotiation stage, FRA considers each case individually on its merits and gives due weight to whatever information the alleged violator provides.

Finally, in the unlikely event that a settlement cannot be reached, FRA sends the individual a letter warning of its intention to request that the Attorney General sue for the initially proposed amount and giving the person a sufficient interval (e.g., 30 days) to decide if that is the only alternative.

FRA believes that the intent of Congress would be violated if individuals who agree to pay a civil penalty or are ordered to do so by a court are indemnified for that penalty by the railroad or another institution (such as a labor organization). Congress intended that the penalties have a deterrent effect on individual behavior that would be lessened, if not eliminated, by such indemnification.

Although informal, face-to-face meetings are encouraged during the negotiation of a civil penalty charge, the RSIA does not require that FRA give individuals or railroads the opportunity for a formal, trial-type administrative hearing as part of the civil penalty process. FRA does not provide that opportunity because such administrative hearings would be likely to add significantly to the costs an individual would have to bear in defense of a safety claim (and also to FRA's enforcement expenses) without shedding any more light on what resolution of the matter is fair than would the informal procedures set forth here. Of course, should an individual or railroad decide not to settle, that person would be entitled to a trial de novo when FRA, through the Attorney General, sued to collect the penalty in the appropriate United States district court.

Penalty Schedules; Assessment of Maximum Penalties

As recommended by the Department of Transportation in its initial proposal for rail safety legislative revisions in 1987, the RSIA raised the maximum civil penalties for violations of the safety regulations. Under the Hours of Service Act, the penalty was changed from a flat $500 to a penalty of “up to $1,000, as the Secretary of Transportation deems reasonable.” Under all the other statutes, the maximum penalty was raised from $2,500 to $10,000 per violation, except that “where a grossly negligent violation or pattern of repeated violations has created an imminent hazard of death or injury to persons, or has caused death or injury,” a penalty of up to $20,000 per violation may be assessed.

The Rail Safety Enforcement and Review Act of 1992 (RSERA) increased the maximum penalty from $1,000 to $10,000 and in some cases, $20,000 for a violation of the Hours of Service Laws, making these penalty amounts uniform with those of FRA's other regulatory provisions. RSERA also increased the minimum civil monetary penalty from $250 to $500 for all of FRA's regulatory provisions. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, Public Law 101–410, 104 Stat. 890, note, as amended by Section 31001(s)(1) of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 Public Law 104–134, 110 Stat. 1321–373, April 26, 1996 required that agencies adjust by regulation each maximum civil monetary penalty within the agency's jurisdiction for inflation and make subsequent adjustments once every four years after the initial adjustment. Accordingly, FRA's maximum civil monetary penalties have been adjusted.

FRA's traditional practice has been to issue penalty schedules assigning to each particular regulation specific dollar amounts for initial penalty assessments. The schedule (except where issued after notice and an opportunity for comment) constitutes a statement of agency policy, and is ordinarily issued as an appendix to the relevant part of the Code of Federal Regulations. For each regulation, the schedule shows two amounts within the $550 to $11,000 range in separate columns, the first for ordinary violations, the second for willful violations (whether committed by railroads or individuals). In one instance—part 231—the schedule refers to sections of the relevant FRA defect code rather than to sections of the CFR text. Of course, the defect code, which is simply a reorganized version of the CFR text used by FRA to facilitate computerization of inspection data, is substantively identical to the CFR text.

The schedule amounts are meant to provide guidance as to FRA's policy in predictable situations, not to bind FRA from using the full range of penalty authority where extraordinary circumstances warrant. The Senate report on the bill that became the RSIA stated:

It is expected that the Secretary would act expeditiously to set penalty levels commensurate with the severity of the violations, with imposition of the maximum penalty reserved for violation of any regulation where warranted by exceptional circumstances. S. Rep. No. 100–153, 10th Cong., 2d Sess. 8 (1987).

Accordingly, under each of the schedules (ordinarily in a footnote), and regardless of the fact that a lesser amount might be shown in both columns of the schedule, FRA reserves the right to assess the statutory maximum penalty of up to $27,000 per violation where a grossly negligent violation has created an imminent hazard of death or injury. This authority to assess a penalty for a single violation above $11,000 and up to $27,000 is used only in very exceptional cases to penalize egregious behavior. Where FRA avails itself of this right to use the higher penalties in place of the schedule amount it so indicates in its penalty demand letter.

The Extent And Exercise Of FRA's Safety Jurisdiction

The Safety Act and, as amended by the RSIA, the older safety statutes apply to “railroads.” Section 202(e) of the Safety Act defines railroad as follows:

The term “railroad” as used in this title means all forms of non-highway ground transportation that run on rails or electromagnetic guideways, including (1) commuter or other short-haul rail passenger service in a metropolitan or suburban area, as well as any commuter rail service which was operated by the Consolidated Rail Corporation as of January 1, 1979, and (2) high speed ground transportation systems that connect metropolitan areas, without regard to whether they use new technologies not associated with traditional railroads. Such term does not include rapid transit operations within an urban area that are not connected to the general railroad system of transportation.

Prior to 1988, the older safety statutes had applied only to common carriers engaged in interstate or foreign commerce by rail. The Safety Act, by contrast, was intended to reach as far as the Commerce Clause of the Constitution (i.e., to all railroads that affect interstate commerce) rather than be limited to common carriers actually engaged in interstate commerce. In reporting out the bill that became the 1970 Safety Act, the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce stated:

The Secretary's authority to regulate extends to all areas of railroad safety. This legislation is intended to encompass all those means of rail transportation as are commonly included within the term. Thus, “railroad” is not limited to the confines of “common carrier by railroad” as that language is defined in the Interstate Commerce Act.

H.R. Rep. No. 91–1194, 91st Cong., 2d Sess. at 16 (1970).

FRA's jurisdiction was bifurcated until, in 1988, the RSIA amended the older safety statutes to make them coextensive with the Safety Act by making them applicable to railroads and incorporating the Safety Act's definition of the term (e.g., 45 U.S.C. 16, as amended). The RSIA also made clear that FRA's safety jurisdiction is not confined to entities using traditional railroad technology. The new definition of “railroad” emphasized that all non-highway high speed ground transportation systems—regardless of technology used—would be considered railroads.

Thus, with the exception of self-contained urban rapid transit systems, FRA's statutory jurisdiction extends to all entities that can be construed as railroads by virtue of their providing non-highway ground transportation over rails or electromagnetic guideways, and will extend to future railroads using other technologies not yet in use. For policy reasons, however, FRA does not exercise jurisdiction under all of its regulations to the full extent permitted by statute. Based on its knowledge of where the safety problems were occurring at the time of its regulatory action and its assessment of the practical limitations on its role, FRA has, in each regulatory context, decided that the best option was to regulate something less than the total universe of railroads.

For example, all of FRA's regulations exclude from their reach railroads whose entire operations are confined to an industrial installation (i.e., “plant railroads”), such as those in steel mills that do not go beyond the plant's boundaries. E.g., 49 CFR 225.3(a)(1) (accident reporting regulations). Some rules exclude passenger operations that are not part of the general railroad system (such as some tourist railroads) only if they meet the definition of “insular.” E.g., 49 CFR 225.3(a)(3) (accident reporting) and 234.3(c) (grade crossing signal safety). Other regulations exclude not only plant railroads but all other railroads that are not operated as a part of, or over the lines of, the general railroad system of transportation. E.g., 49 CFR 214.3 (railroad workplace safety).

By “general railroad system of transportation,” FRA refers to the network of standard gage track over which goods may be transported throughout the nation and passengers may travel between cities and within metropolitan and suburban areas. Much of this network is interconnected, so that a rail vehicle can travel across the nation without leaving the system. However, mere physical connection to the system does not bring trackage within it. For example, trackage within an industrial installation that is connected to the network only by a switch for the receipt of shipments over the system is not a part of the system.

Moreover, portions of the network may lack a physical connection but still be part of the system by virtue of the nature of operations that take place there. For example, the Alaska Railroad is not physically connected to the rest of the general system but is part of it. The Alaska Railroad exchanges freight cars with other railroads by car float and exchanges passengers with interstate carriers as part of the general flow of interstate commerce. Similarly, an intercity high speed rail system with its own right of way would be part of the general system although not physically connected to it. The presence on a rail line of any of these types of railroad operations is a sure indication that such trackage is part of the general system: the movement of freight cars in trains outside the confines of an industrial installation, the movement of intercity passenger trains, or the movement of commuter trains within a metropolitan or suburban area. Urban rapid transit operations are ordinarily not part of the general system, but may have sufficient connections to that system to warrant exercise of FRA's jurisdiction (see discussion of passenger operations, below). Tourist railroad operations are not inherently part of the general system and, unless operated over the lines of that system, are subject to few of FRA's regulations.

The boundaries of the general system are not static. For example, a portion of the system may be purchased for the exclusive use of a single private entity and all connections, save perhaps a switch for receiving shipments, severed. Depending on the nature of the operations, this could remove that portion from the general system. The system may also grow, as with the establishment of intercity service on a brand new line. However, the same trackage cannot be both inside and outside of the general system depending upon the time of day. If trackage is part of the general system, restricting a certain type of traffic over that trackage to a particular portion of the day does not change the nature of the line—it remains the general system.

Of course, even where a railroad operates outside the general system, other railroads that are definitely part of that system may have occasion to enter the first railroad's property (e.g., a major railroad goes into a chemical or auto plant to pick up or set out cars). In such cases, the railroad that is part of the general system remains part of that system while inside the installation; thus, all of its activities are covered by FRA's regulations during that period. The plant railroad itself, however, does not get swept into the general system by virtue of the other railroad's activity, except to the extent it is liable, as the track owner, for the condition of its track over which the other railroad operates during its incursion into the plant. Of course, in the opposite situation, where the plant railroad itself operates beyond the plant boundaries on the general system, it becomes a railroad with respect to those particular operations, during which its equipment, crew, and practices would be subject to FRA's regulations.

In some cases, the plant railroad leases track immediately adjacent to its plant from the general system railroad. Assuming such a lease provides for, and actual practice entails, the exclusive use of that trackage by the plant railroad and the general system railroad for purposes of moving only cars shipped to or from the plant, the lease would remove the plant railroad's operations on that trackage from the general system for purposes of FRA's regulations, as it would make that trackage part and parcel of the industrial installation. (As explained above, however, the track itself would have to meet FRA's standards if a general system railroad operated over it. See 49 CFR 213.5 for the rules on how an owner of track may assign responsibility for it.) A lease or practice that permitted other types of movements by general system railroads on that trackage would, of course, bring it back into the general system, as would operations by the plant railroad indicating it was moving cars on such trackage for other than its own purposes (e.g., moving cars to neighboring industries for hire).

FRA exercises jurisdiction over tourist, scenic, and excursion railroad operations whether or not they are conducted on the general railroad system. There are two exceptions: (1) operations of less than 24-inch gage (which, historically, have never been considered railroads under the Federal railroad safety laws); and (2) operations that are off the general system and “insular” (defined below).

Insularity is an issue only with regard to tourist operations over trackage outside of the general system used exclusively for such operations. FRA considers a tourist operation to be insular if its operations are limited to a separate enclave in such a way that there is no reasonable expectation that the safety of any member of the public'except a business guest, a licensee of the tourist operation or an affiliated entity, or a trespasser'would be affected by the operation. A tourist operation will not be considered insular if one or more of the following exists on its line:

•A public highway-rail crossing that is in use;

•An at-grade rail crossing that is in use;

•A bridge over a public road or waters used for commercial navigation; or

•A common corridor with a railroad, i.e., its operations are within 30 feet of those of any railroad.

When tourist operations are conducted on the general system, FRA exercises jurisdiction over them, and all of FRA's pertinent regulations apply to those operations unless a waiver is granted or a rule specifically excepts such operations (e.g., the passenger equipment safety standards contain an exception for these operations, 49 CFR 238.3(c)(3), even if conducted on the general system). When a tourist operation is conducted only on track used exclusively for that purpose it is not part of the general system. The fact that a tourist operation has a switch that connects it to the general system does not make the tourist operation part of the general system if the tourist trains do not enter the general system and the general system railroad does not use the tourist operation's trackage for any purpose other than delivering or picking up shipments to or from the tourist operation itself.

If a tourist operation off the general system is insular, FRA does not exercise jurisdiction over it, and none of FRA's rules apply. If, however, such an operation is not insular, FRA exercises jurisdiction over the operation, and some of FRA's rules (i.e., those that specifically apply beyond the general system to such operations) will apply. For example, FRA's rules on accident reporting, steam locomotives, and grade crossing signals apply to these non-insular tourist operations (see 49 CFR 225.3, 230.2 amd 234.3), as do all of FRA's procedural rules (49 CFR parts 209, 211, and 216) and the Federal railroad safety statutes themselves.

In drafting safety rules, FRA has a specific obligation to consider financial, operational, or other factors that may be unique to tourist operations. 49 U.S.C. 20103(f). Accordingly, FRA is careful to consider those factors in determining whether any particular rule will apply to tourist operations. Therefore, although FRA asserts jurisdiction quite broadly over these operations, we work to ensure that the rules we issue are appropriate to their somewhat special circumstances.

It is important to note that FRA's exercise of its regulatory authority on a given matter does not preclude it from subsequently amending its regulations on that subject to bring in railroads originally excluded. More important, the self-imposed restrictions on FRA's exercise of regulatory authority in no way constrain its exercise of emergency order authority under section 203 of the Safety Act. That authority was designed to deal with imminent hazards not dealt with by existing regulations and/or so dangerous as to require immediate, ex parte action on the government's part. Thus, a railroad excluded from the reach of any of FRA's regulations is fully within the reach of FRA's emergency order authority, which is coextensive with FRA's statutory jurisdiction over all railroads.

FRA's Policy on Jurisdiction Over Passenger Operations

Under the Federal railroad safety laws, FRA has jurisdiction over all railroads except “rapid transit operations in an urban area that are not connected to the general railroad system of transportation.” 49 U.S.C. 20102. Within the limits imposed by this authority, FRA exercises jurisdiction over all railroad passenger operations, regardless of the equipment they use, unless FRA has specifically stated below an exception to its exercise of jurisdiction for a particular type of operation. This policy is stated in general terms and does not change the reach of any particular regulation under its applicability section. That is, while FRA may generally assert jurisdiction over a type of operation here, a particular regulation may exclude that kind of operation from its reach. Therefore, this statement should be read in conjunction with the applicability sections of all of FRA's regulations.

Intercity Passenger Operations

FRA exercises jurisdiction over all intercity passenger operations. Because of the nature of the service they provide, standard gage intercity operations are all considered part of the general railroad system, even if not physically connected to other portions of the system. Other intercity passenger operations that are not standard gage (such as a magnetic levitation system) are within FRA's jurisdiction even though not part of the general system.

Commuter Operations

FRA exercises jurisdiction over all commuter operations. Congress apparently intended that FRA do so when it enacted the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970, and made that intention very clear in the 1982 and 1988 amendments to that act. FRA has attempted to follow that mandate consistently. A commuter system's connection to other railroads is not relevant under the rail safety statutes. In fact, FRA considers commuter railroads to be part of the general railroad system regardless of such connections.

FRA will presume that an operation is a commuter railroad if there is a statutory determination that Congress considers a particular service to be commuter rail. For example, in the Northeast Rail Service Act of 1981, 45 U.S.C. 1104(3), Congress listed specific commuter authorities. If that presumption does not apply, and the operation does not meet the description of a system that is presumptively urban rapid transit (see below), FRA will determine whether a system is commuter or urban rapid transit by analyzing all of the system's pertinent facts. FRA is likely to consider an operation to be a commuter railroad if:

•The system serves an urban area, its suburbs, and more distant outlying communities in the greater metropolitan area,

•The system's primary function is moving passengers back and forth between their places of employment in the city and their homes within the greater metropolitan area, and moving passengers from station to station within the immediate urban area is, at most, an incidental function, and

•The vast bulk of the system's trains are operated in the morning and evening peak periods with few trains at other hours.

Examples of commuter railroads include Metra and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District in the Chicago area; Virginia Railway Express and MARC in the Washington area; and Metro-North, the Long Island Railroad, New Jersey Transit, and the Port Authority Trans Hudson (PATH) in the New York area.

Other Short Haul Passenger Service

The federal railroad safety statutes give FRA authority over “commuter or other short-haul railroad passenger service in a metropolitan or suburban area.” 49 U.S.C. 20102. This means that, in addition to commuter service, there are other short-haul types of service that Congress intended that FRA reach. For example, a passenger system designed primarily to move intercity travelers from a downtown area to an airport, or from an airport to a resort area, would be one that does not have the transportation of commuters within a metropolitan area as its primary purpose. FRA would ordinarily exercise jurisdiction over such a system as “other short-haul service” unless it meets the definition of urban rapid transit and is not connected in a significant way to the general system.

Urban Rapid Transit Operations

One type of short-haul passenger service requires special treatment under the safety statutes: “rapid transit operations in an urban area.” Only these operations are excluded from FRA's jurisdiction, and only if they are “not connected to the general railroad system.” FRA will presume that an operation is an urban rapid transit operation if the system is not presumptively a commuter railroad (see discussion above) the operation is a subway or elevated operation with its own track system on which no other railroad may operate, has no highway-rail crossings at grade, operates within an urban area, and moves passengers from station to station within the urban area as one of its major functions.

Where neither the commuter railroad nor urban rapid transit presumptions applies, FRA will look at all of the facts pertinent to a particular operation to determine its proper characterization. FRA is likely to consider an operation to be urban rapid transit if:

•The operation serves an urban area (and may also serve its suburbs),

•Moving passengers from station to station within the urban boundaries is a major function of the system and there are multiple station stops within the city for that purpose (such an operation could still have the transportation of commuters as one of its major functions without being considered a commuter railroad), and

•The system provides frequent train service even outside the morning and evening peak periods.

Examples of urban rapid transit systems include the Metro in the Washington, D.C. area, CTA in Chicago, and the subway systems in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. The type of equipment used by such a system is not determinative of its status. However, the kinds of vehicles ordinarily associated with street railways, trolleys, subways, and elevated railways are the types of vehicles most often used for urban rapid transit operations.

FRA can exercise jurisdiction over a rapid transit operation only if it is connected to the general railroad system, but need not exercise jurisdiction over every such operation that is so connected. FRA is aware of several different ways that rapid transit operations can be connected to the general system. Our policy on the exercise of jurisdiction will depend upon the nature of the connection(s). In general, a connection that involves operation of transit equipment as a part of, or over the lines of, the general system will trigger FRA's exercise of jurisdiction. Below, we review some of the more common types of connections and their effect on the agency's exercise of jurisdiction. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of connections.

Rapid Transit Connections Sufficient To Trigger FRA's Exercise of Jurisdiction

Certain types of connections to the general railroad system will cause FRA to exercise jurisdiction over the rapid transit line to the extent it is connected. FRA will exercise jurisdiction over the portion of a rapid transit operation that is conducted as a part of or over the lines of the general system. For example, rapid transit operations are conducted on the lines of the general system where the rapid transit operation and other railroad use the same track. FRA will exercise its jurisdiction over the operations conducted on the general system. In situations involving joint use of the same track, it does not matter that the rapid transit operation occupies the track only at times when the freight, commuter, or intercity passenger railroad that shares the track is not operating. While such time separation could provide the basis for waiver of certain of FRA's rules (see 49 CFR part 211), it does not mean that FRA will not exercise jurisdiction. However, FRA will exercise jurisdiction over only the portions of the rapid transit operation that are conducted on the general system. For example, a rapid transit line that operates over the general system for a portion of its length but has significant portions of street railway that are not used by conventional railroads would be subject to FRA's rules only with respect to the general system portion. The remaining portions would not be subject to FRA's rules. If the non-general system portions of the rapid transit line are considered a “rail fixed guideway system” under 49 CFR Part 659, those rules, issued by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), would apply to them.

Another connection to the general system sufficient to warrant FRA's exercise of jurisdiction is a railroad crossing at grade where the rapid transit operation and other railroad cross each other's tracks. In this situation, FRA will exercise its jurisdiction sufficiently to assure safe operations over the at-grade railroad crossing. FRA will also exercise jurisdiction to a limited extent over a rapid transit operation that, while not operated on the same tracks as the conventional railroad, is connected to the general system by virtue of operating in a shared right-of-way involving joint control of trains. For example, if a rapid transit line and freight railroad were to operate over a movable bridge and were subject to the same authority concerning its use (e.g., the same tower operator controls trains of both operations), FRA will exercise jurisdiction in a manner sufficient to ensure safety at this point of connection. Also, where transit operations share highway-rail grade crossings with conventional railroads, FRA expects both systems to observe its signal rules. For example, FRA expects both railroads to observe the provision of its rule on grade crossing signals that requires prompt reports of warning system malfunctions. See 49 CFR part 234. FRA believes these connections present sufficient intermingling of the rapid transit and general system operations to pose significant hazards to one or both operations and, in the case of highway-rail grade crossings, to the motoring public. The safety of highway users of highway-rail grade crossings can best be protected if they get the same signals concerning the presence of any rail vehicles at the crossing and if they can react the same way to all rail vehicles.

Rapid Transit Connections Not Sufficient To Trigger FRA's Exercise of Jurisdiction

Although FRA could exercise jurisdiction over a rapid transit operation based on any connection it has to the general railroad system, FRA believes there are certain connections that are too minimal to warrant the exercise of its jurisdiction. For example, a rapid transit system that has a switch for receiving shipments from the general system railroad is not one over which FRA would assert jurisdiction. This assumes that the switch is used only for that purpose. In that case, any entry onto the rapid transit line by the freight railroad would be for a very short distance and solely for the purpose of dropping off or picking up cars. In this situation, the rapid transit line is in the same situation as any shipper or consignee; without this sort of connection, it cannot receive or offer goods by rail.

Mere use of a common right-of-way or corridor in which the conventional railroad and rapid transit operation do not share any means of train control, have a rail crossing at grade, or operate over the same highway-rail grade crossings would not trigger FRA's exercise of jurisdiction. In this context, the presence of intrusion detection devices to alert one or both carriers to incursions by the other one would not be considered a means of common train control. These common rights of way are often designed so that the two systems function completely independently of each other. FRA and FTA will coordinate with rapid transit agencies and railroads wherever there are concerns about sufficient intrusion detection and related safety measures designed to avoid a collision between rapid transit trains and conventional equipment.

Where these very minimal connections exist, FRA will not exercise jurisdiction unless and until an emergency situation arises involving such a connection, which is a very unlikely event. However, if such a system is properly considered a rail fixed guideway system, FTA's rules (49 CFR part 659) will apply to it.

Coordination of the FRA and FTA Programs

FTA's rules on rail fixed guideway systems (49 CFR part 659) apply to any rapid transit systems or portions thereof not subject to FRA's rules. On rapid transit systems that are not sufficiently connected to the general railroad system to warrant FRA's exercise of jurisdiction (as explained above), FTA's rules will apply exclusively. On those rapid transit systems that are connected to the general system in such a way as warrant exercise of FRA's jurisdiction, only those portions of the rapid transit system that are connected to the general system will generally be subject to FRA's rules.

A rapid transit railroad may apply to FRA for a waiver of any FRA regulations. See 49 CFR part 211. FRA will seek FTA's views whenever a rapid transit operation petitions FRA for a waiver of its safety rules. In granting or denying any such waiver, FRA will make clear whether its rules do not apply to any segments of the operation so that it is clear where FTA's rules do apply.

Extraordinary Remedies

While civil penalties are the primary enforcement tool under the federal railroad safety laws, more extreme measures are available under certain circumstances. FRA has authority to issue orders directing compliance with the Federal Railroad Safety Act, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, the older safety statutes, or regulations issued under any of those statutes. See 45 U.S.C. 437(a) and (d), and 49 App. U.S.C. 1808(a). Such an order may issue only after notice and opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the procedures set forth in 49 CFR part 209, subpart C. FRA inspectors also have the authority to issue a special notice requiring repairs where a locomotive or freight car is unsafe for further service or where a segment of track does not meet the standards for the class at which the track is being operated. Such a special notice may be appealed to the regional director and the FRA Administrator. See 49 CFR part 216, subpart B.

FRA may, through the Attorney General, also seek injunctive relief in federal district court to restrain violations or enforce rules issued under the railroad safety laws. See 45 U.S.C. 439 and 49 App. U.S.C. 1810.

FRA also has the authority to issue, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, an order prohibiting an individual from performing safety-sensitive functions in the rail industry for a specified period. This disqualification authority is exercised under procedures found at 49 CFR part 209, subpart D.

Criminal penalties are available for willful violations of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act or its regulations. See 49 App. U.S.C. 1809(b), and 49 CFR 209.131, 133. Criminal penalties are also available under 45 U.S.C. 438(e) for knowingly and willfully falsifying, destroying, or failing to complete records or reports required to be kept under the various railroad safety statutes and regulations. The Accident Reports Act, 45 U.S.C. 39, also contains criminal penalties.

Perhaps FRA's most sweeping enforcement tool is its authority to issue emergency safety orders “where an unsafe condition or practice, or a combination of unsafe conditions or practices, or both, create an emergency situation involving a hazard of death or injury to persons  *  *  *” 45 U.S.C. 432(a). After its issuance, such an order may be reviewed in a trial-type hearing. See 49 CFR 211.47 and 216.21 through 216.27. The emergency order authority is unique because it can be used to address unsafe conditions and practices whether or not they contravene an existing regulatory or statutory requirement. Given its extraordinary nature, FRA has used the emergency order authority sparingly.

[53 FR 52920, Dec. 29, 1988, as amended at 63 FR 11619, Mar. 10, 1998; 64 FR 62864, Nov. 17, 1999; 65 FR 42544, July 10, 2000; 69 FR 30592, May 28, 2004]

Appendix B to Part 209—Federal Railroad Administration Guidelines for Initial Hazardous Materials Assessments
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These guidelines establish benchmarks to be used in determining initial civil penalty assessments for violations of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). The guideline penalty amounts reflect the best judgment of the FRA Office of Safety Assurance and Compliance (RRS) and of the Safety Law Division of the Office of Chief Counsel (RCC) on the relative severity, on a scale of $275 to $32,500, of the various violations routinely encountered by FRA inspectors. (49 U.S.C. 5123) Unless otherwise specified, the guideline amounts refer to average violations, that is, violations involving a hazardous material with a medium level of hazard, and a violator with an average compliance history. In an “average violation,” the respondent has committed the acts due to a failure to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances (“knowingly”). For some sections, the guidelines contain a breakdown according to relative severity of the violation, for example, the guidelines for shipping paper violations at 49 CFR §§172.200–.203. All penalties in these guidelines are subject to change depending upon the circumstances of the particular case. The general duty sections, for example §§173.1 and 174.7, are not ordinarily cited as separate violations; they are primarily used as explanatory citations to demonstrate applicability of a more specific section where applicability is otherwise unclear.

FRA believes that infractions of the regulations that lead to personal injury are especially serious; this is directly in line with Department of Transportation policy that hazardous materials are only safe for transportation when they are securely sealed in a proper package. (Some few containers, such as tank cars of carbon dioxide, are designed to vent off excess internal pressure. They are exceptions to the “securely sealed” rule.) “Personal injury” has become somewhat of a term of art, especially in the fields of occupational safety and of accident reporting. To avoid confusion, these penalty guidelines use the notion of “human contact” to trigger penalty aggravation. In essence, any contact by a hazardous material on a person during transportation is a per se injury and proof will not be required regarding the extent of the physical contact or its consequences. When a violation of the Hazardous Materials Regulations causes a death or serious injury, the maximum penalty of $32,500 shall always be assessed initially.

These guidelines are a preliminary assessment tool for FRA's use. They create no rights in any party. FRA is free to vary from them when it deems appropriate and may amend them from time to time without prior notice. Moreover, FRA is not bound by any amount it initially proposes should litigation become necessary. In fact, FRA reserves the express authority to amend the NOPV to seek a penalty of up to $32,500 for each violation at any time prior to issuance of an order.

                      Penalty Assessment Guidelines------------------------------------------------------------------------          Emergency orders                                    Guideline------------------------------------------------------------------------EO16...............................  Penalties for                 5,000                                      violations of EO16                                      vary depending on the                                      circumstances.EO17...............................  Penalties for                 (\1\)                                      violations of EO17                                      vary depending on the                                      circumstances.                                     Failure to file annual        5,000                                      report.------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ Varies.
                      Penalty Assessment Guidelines------------------------------------------------------------------------           49 CFR section                  Description        Guideline------------------------------------------------------------------------                                PART 107------------------------------------------------------------------------107.608............................  Failure to register or        1,000                                      to renew                                      registration. (Note:                                      registration_or                                      renewal_is                                      mitigation.).------------------------------------------------------------------------                                PART 171------------------------------------------------------------------------171.2(c)...........................  Representing (marking,        8,000                                      certifying, selling,                                      or offering) a                                      packaging as meeting                                      regulatory                                      specification when it                                      does not.171.2(f)(2)........................  Billing, marking, etc.        2,000                                      for the presence of                                      HM when no HM is                                      present. (Mitigation                                      required for                                      shipments smaller                                      than a carload, i.e.,                                      single drum penalty                                      is 1,000).171.12.............................  Import                        4,000                                      shipments_Importer                                      not providing shipper                                      and forwarding agent                                      with US requirements.                                      Cannot be based on                                      inference.                                     Import                        2,000                                      shipments_Failure to                                      certify by shipper or                                      forwarding agent.171.15.............................  Failure to provide            6,000                                      immediate notice of                                      certain hazardous                                      materials incidents.171.16.............................  Failure to file               4,000                                      incident report (form                                      DOT 5800.1). (Note:                                      Multiple failures                                      will aggravate the                                      penalty; see the                                      expert attorney.).------------------------------------------------------------------------                                PART 172------------------------------------------------------------------------Shipping Papers:    172.200_.203...................  Offering hazardous                                      materials for                                      transportation when                                      the material is not                                      properly described on                                      the shipping paper as                                      required by                                      §§                                      172.200_.203. (The                                      ``shipping paper'' is                                      the document tendered                                      by the shipper/                                      offeror to the                                      carrier. The original                                      shipping paper                                      contains the                                      shipper's                                      certification at                                      § 172.204.).                                     _Information on the          15,000                                      shipping paper is                                      wrong to the extent                                      that it caused or                                      materially                                      contributed to a                                      reaction by emergency                                      responders that                                      aggravated the                                      situation or caused                                      or materially                                      contributed to                                      improper handling by                                      the carrier that led                                      to or materially                                      contributed to a                                      product release.                                     _Total lack of                7,500                                      hazardous materials                                      information on                                      shipping paper. (Some                                      shipping names alone                                      contain sufficient                                      information to reduce                                      the guideline to the                                      next lower level, but                                      they may be such                                      dangerous products                                      that aggravation                                      needs to be                                      considered.).                                     _Some information is          5,000                                      present but the                                      missing or improper                                      description could                                      cause mishandling by                                      the carrier or a                                      delay or error in                                      emergency response.                                     _When the improper            2,000                                      description is not                                      likely to cause                                      serious problem                                      (technical defect).                                     _Shipping paper               7,500                                      includes a hazardous                                      materials description                                      and no hazardous                                      materials are present.                                     Note: Failure to                                      include emergency                                      response information                                      is covered at                                      §§ 172.600-                                      604; while the normal                                      unit of violation for                                      shipping papers is                                      the whole document,                                      failure to provide                                      emergency response                                      information is a                                      separate violation.    172.204........................  Shipper's failure to          2,000                                      certify.    172.205........................  Hazardous waste               4,000                                      manifest. (Applies                                      only to defects in                                      the Hazardous Waste                                      Manifest form [EPA                                      Form 8700-22 and 8700-                                      22A]; shipping paper                                      defects are cited and                                      penalized under                                      § 172.200-.203.).Marking............................  The guidelines for                                      ``marking''                                      violations                                      contemplate a total                                      lack of the                                      prescribed mark.                                      Obviously, where the                                      package (including a                                      whole car) is                                      partially marked,                                      mitigation should be                                      applied.    172.301........................  Failure to mark a non-        1,000                                      bulk package as                                      required (e.g., no                                      commodity name on a                                      55-gallon drum).                                      (Shipment is the unit                                      of violation.).    172.302........................  Failure to follow             2,000                                      standards for marking                                      bulk packaging.                                      (Note: If a more                                      specific section                                      applies, cite it and                                      its penalty                                      guideline.).    172.302(a).....................  ID number missing or          2,500                                      in improper location.                                      (The guideline is for                                      a portable tank; for                                      smaller bulk                                      packages, the                                      guideline should be                                      mitigated downward.).    172.302(b).....................  Failure to use the            2,000                                      correct size of                                      markings. (Note: If                                      § 172.326(a) is                                      also cited, it takes                                      precedence and                                      .302(b) is not cited.                                      Note also: the                                      guideline is for a                                      gross violation of                                      marking size_\1/                                      2\[inch] where                                      2[inch] is                                      required_and                                      mitigation should be                                      considered for                                      markings approaching                                      the required size.).    172.302(c).....................  Failure to place              2,000                                      exemption number                                      markings on bulk                                      package.    172.303........................  Prohibited marking.                                      (Package is marked                                      for a hazardous                                      material and contains                                      either another                                      hazardous material or                                      no hazardous                                      material.)                                     _The marking is wrong        10,000                                      and caused or                                      contributed to a                                      wrong emergency                                      response.                                     _Inconsistent marking;        5,000                                      e.g., Shipping name                                      and ID number do not                                      agree.                                     _Marked as a hazardous        2,000                                      material when package                                      does not contain a                                      hazardous material.    172.313........................  ''Inhalation Hazard''         2,500                                      not marked.    172.322........................  Failure to mark for           1,500                                      MARINE POLLUTANT                                      where required.    172.325(a).....................  Improper, or missing,         1,500                                      HOT mark for elevated                                      temperature material.    172.326(a).....................  Failure to mark a             2,500                                      portable tank with                                      the commodity name.    172.326(b).....................  Owner's/lessee's name           500                                      not displayed.    172.326(c).....................  Failure to mark               2,500                                      portable tank with ID                                      number.    172.330(a)(1)(i)...............  Offering/transporting         2,500                                      hazardous materials                                      in a tank car that                                      does not have the                                      required shipping                                      name or common name                                      stenciled on the car;                                      include reference to                                      section requiring                                      stenciling, such as                                      § 173.314(b) (5)                                      or (6).    172.330(a)(1)(ii)..............  Offering/transporting         2,500                                      hazardous materials                                      in a tank car that                                      does not have the                                      required ID number                                      displayed on the car.    172.331(b).....................  Offering bulk                 2,500                                      packaging other than                                      a portable tank,                                      cargo tank, or tank                                      car (e.g., a hopper                                      car) not marked with                                      UN/NA number. (I.e.,                                      a hopper car carrying                                      a hazardous                                      substance, where a                                      placard is not                                      required).    172.332........................  Improper display of           2,000                                      identification number                                      markings. Note:                                      Citation of this                                      section and                                      §§ 172.326                                      (portable tanks),                                      172.328 (cargo                                      tanks), or 172.330                                      (tank cars) does not                                      create two separate                                      violations.    172.334(a).....................  Displaying ID numbers         4,000                                      on a RADIOACTIVE,                                      EXPLOSIVES                                      1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,                                      or 1.6, or DANGEROUS,                                      or subsidiary hazard                                      placard.    172.334(b).....................  _Improper display of         15,000                                      ID number that caused                                      or contributed to a                                      wrong emergency                                      response.                                     _Improper display of          5,000                                      ID number that could                                      cause carrier                                      mishandling or minor                                      error in emergency                                      response.                                     _Technical error......        2,000    172.334(f).....................  Displaying ID number          1,500                                      on orange panel not                                      in proximity to the                                      placard.Labeling:    172.400-.450...................  Failure to label              2,500                                      properly. (See also                                      § 172.301                                      regarding the marking                                      of packages.).Placarding.........................  The guidelines for                                      ``placarding''                                      violations                                      contemplate a total                                      lack of the                                      prescribed placard.                                      Obviously, where the                                      package (including a                                      whole car) is                                      partially placarded,                                      mitigation should be                                      applied.    172.502........................  _Placarded as                 2,000                                      hazardous material                                      when car does not                                      contain a hazardous                                      material.                                     _Placard does not             2,000                                      represent hazard of                                      the contents.                                     _Display of sign or           2,000                                      device that could be                                      confused with                                      regulatory placard.                                      Photograph or good,                                      clear description                                      necessary.    172.503........................  Improper display of ID        (\1\)                                      number on placards.                                      (Note: Do not cite                                      this section; cite                                      § 172.334.).    172.504(a).....................  Failure to placard;                                      affixing or                                      displaying wrong                                      placard. (See also                                      §§                                      172.502(a),                                      172.504(a), 172.505,                                      172.510(c), 172.516,                                      174.33, 174.59,                                      174.69; all                                      applicable sections                                      should be cited, but                                      the penalty should be                                      set at the amount for                                      the violation most                                      directly in point.)                                      (Generally, the car                                      is the unit of                                      violation, and                                      penalties vary with                                      the number of errors,                                      typically at the rate                                      of $1,000 per                                      placard.)                                     _Complete failure to          7,500                                      placard.                                     _One placard missing          1,000                                      (add $1,000 per                                      missing placard up to                                      a total of three;                                      then use the                                      guideline above).                                     _Complete failure to          2,500                                      placard, but only 2                                      placards are required                                      (e.g., intermediate                                      bulk containers                                      [IBCs]).    172.504(b).....................  Improper use of               5,000                                      DANGEROUS placard for                                      mixed loads.    172.504(c).....................  Placarded for wrong           2,000                                      hazard class when no                                      placard was required                                      due to 1,001 pound                                      exemption.    172.504(e).....................  Use of placard other                                      than as specified in                                      the table:                                     _Improper placard            15,000                                      caused or contributed                                      to improper reaction                                      by emergency response                                      forces or caused or                                      contributed to                                      improper handling by                                      carrier that led to a                                      product release.                                     _Improper placard that        5,000                                      could cause improper                                      emergency response or                                      handling by carrier.                                     _Technical violation..        2,500    172.505........................  Improper application          5,000                                      of placards for                                      subsidiary hazards.                                      (Note: This is in                                      addition to any                                      violation on the                                      primary hazard                                      placards.).    172.508(a).....................  Offering hazardous            7,500                                      material for rail                                      transportation                                      without affixing                                      placards. (Note: The                                      preferred section for                                      a total failure to                                      placard is                                      172.504(a); only one                                      section should be                                      cited to avoid a dual                                      penalty.) (Note also:                                      Persons offering                                      hazardous materials                                      for rail movement                                      must affix placards;                                      if offering for                                      highway movement, the                                      placards must be                                      tendered to the                                      carrier. §                                      172.506.).                                     Placards OK, except             500                                      they were IMDG labels                                      instead of 10[inch]                                      placards. (Unit of                                      violation is the                                      packaging, usually a                                      portable tank.).                                     Placards on TOFC/COFC         (\2\)                                      units not readily                                      visible. (Note: Do                                      not cite this                                      section, cite §                                      172.516 instead.).    172.508(b).....................  Accepting hazardous           5,000                                      material for rail                                      transportation                                      without placards                                      affixed.    172.510(a).....................  EXPLOSIVES 1.1,               5,000                                      EXPLOSIVES 1.2,                                      POISON GAS, POISON                                      GAS-RESIDUE,                                      (Division 2.3, Hazard                                      Zone A), POISON, or                                      POISON-RESIDUE                                      (Division 6.1,                                      Packing Group I,                                      Hazard Zone A)                                      placards displayed                                      without square                                      background.    172.510(c).....................  Improper use of                                      RESIDUE placard.                                     _Placarded RESIDUE            4,000                                      when loaded.                                     _Placarded loaded when        1,000                                      car contains only a                                      residue.                                     _Placarded EMPTY when           500                                      RESIDUE is required.    172.514........................  Improper placarding of        2,000                                      bulk packaging other                                      than a tank car: For                                      the ``exception''                                      packages in                                      174.514(c). Note: Use                                      the regular                                      placarding sections                                      for the guideline                                      amounts for larger                                      bulk packages.    172.516........................  Placard not readily           1,000                                      visible, improperly                                      located or displayed,                                      or deteriorated. Good                                      color photos                                      ``essential'' to                                      prove deterioration,                                      and considerable                                      weathering is                                      permissible. Placard                                      is the unit of                                      violation.                                     _When placards on an          2,000                                      intermodal container                                      are not visible, for                                      instance, because the                                      container is in a                                      well car. Container                                      is the unit of                                      violation, and, as a                                      matter of enforcement                                      policy, FRA accepts                                      the lack of                                      visibility of the end                                      placards.Emergency Response Information.....  Violations of                                      §§ 172.600-                                      .604 are in addition                                      to shipping paper                                      violations. In citing                                      a carrier, if the                                      railroad's practice                                      is to carry an                                      emergency response                                      book or to put the E/                                      R information as an                                      attachment to the                                      consist, the unit of                                      violation is                                      generally the train                                      (or the consist).                                      ``Telephone number''                                      violations are                                      generally best cited                                      against the shipper;                                      if against a                                      railroad, there                                      should be proof that                                      the number was given                                      to the railroad, that                                      is, it was on the                                      original shipping                                      document.    172.600-.602...................  Where improper               15,000                                      emergency response                                      information has                                      caused an improper                                      reaction from                                      emergency forces and                                      the improper response                                      has aggravated the                                      situation. Note:                                      Proof of this will be                                      rigorous. For                                      instance, if the                                      emergency response                                      forces had chemical                                      information with the                                      correct response and                                      they relied, instead,                                      on shipper/carrier                                      information to their                                      detriment; the                                      $15,000 penalty                                      guideline applies.                                     Bad, missing, or              4,000                                      improper emergency                                      response information.                                      (Be careful in                                      transmitting                                      violations of this                                      section against a                                      railroad; there are                                      many sources of E/R                                      information and it                                      does not necessarily                                      ``travel'' with the                                      shipping documents.).    172.602(c).....................  Failure to have              15,000                                      emergency response                                      information                                      ``immediately                                      accessible''.    172.604........................  Improper or missing           2,500                                      emergency response                                      telephone number.Training:    172.702(a).....................  General failure to            5,000                                      train hazmat                                      employees.    172.702(b).....................  Hazmat employee               1,000                                      performing covered                                      function without                                      training. (Unit of                                      violation is the                                      employee; see the                                      expert attorney if                                      more than 10                                      employees are                                      involved.).    172.704(a).....................  Failure to train in           2,500                                      the required areas:                                     _General awareness/                                      familiarization                                     _Function-specific                                     _Safety                                     (Unit of violation is                                      the ``area,'' and,                                      for a total failure                                      to train, cite                                      172.702(a) and use                                      that penalty instead                                      of 172.704.)    172.704(c).....................  Initial and recurrent         (\3\)                                      training. (Note: Cite                                      this and the relevant                                      substantive section,                                      e.g., 172.702(a), and                                      use penalty provided                                      there.).    172.704(d).....................  Failure to maintain           2,500                                      record of training.                                      (Unit of violation is                                      the record.).------------------------------------------------------------------------                                PART 173------------------------------------------------------------------------173.1..............................  General duty section          2,000                                      applicable to                                      shippers; also                                      includes subparagraph                                      (b), the requirement                                      to train employees                                      about applicable                                      regulations. (Cite                                      the appropriate                                      section in the                                      172.700-.704 series                                      for training                                      violations.).173.9(a)...........................  Early delivery of             5,000                                      transport vehicle                                      that has been                                      fumigated. (48 hours                                      must have elapsed                                      since fumigation.).173.9(b)...........................  Failure to display            1,000                                      fumigation placard.                                      (Ordinarily cited                                      against shipper only,                                      not against                                      railroad.).173.10.............................  Delivery requirements         3,000                                      for gases and for                                      flammable liquids.                                      See also 174.204 and                                      174.304.173.22.............................  Shipper                       (\4\)                                      responsibility: This                                      general duty section                                      should ordinarily be                                      cited only to support                                      a more specific                                      charge.173.22a............................  Improper use of               2,500                                      packagings authorized                                      under exemption.                                     Failure to maintain           1,000                                      copy of exemption as                                      required..173.24(b)(1) & 173.24(b)(2) and  Securing closures: 173.24(f)(1) &                   These subsections are 173.24(f)(1)(ii).                    the general ``no                                      leak'' standard for                                      all packagings.                                      § 173.24(b)                                      deals primarily with                                      packaging as a whole,                                      while §                                      173.24(f) focuses on                                      closures. Cite the                                      sections accordingly,                                      using both the leak/                                      non-leak criteria and                                      the package size                                      considerations to                                      reach the appropriate                                      penalty. Any actual                                      leak will aggravate                                      the guideline by,                                      typically, 50%; a                                      leak with contact                                      with a human being                                      will aggravate by at                                      least 100%, up to the                                      maximum of $25,000 if                                      the HMR violation                                      causes the injury.                                      With tank cars,                                      § 173.31(b)                                      applies, and IM                                      portable tanks                                      [§ 173.32c], and                                      other tanks of that                                      size range, should                                      use the tank car                                      penalty amounts,                                      stated in reference                                      to that section.                                     _Small bottle or box..        1,000                                     _55-gallon drum.......        2,500                                     _Larger container,            5,000                                      e.g., IBC; not                                      portable tank or tank                                      car.173.24(c)..........................  Use of package not                                      meeting                                      specifications,                                      including required                                      stencils and                                      markings. The most                                      specific section for                                      the package involved                                      should be cited (see                                      below). The penalty                                      guideline should be                                      adjusted for the size                                      of the container. Any                                      actual leak will                                      aggravate the                                      guideline by,                                      typically, 50%; a                                      leak with contact                                      with a human being                                      will aggravate by at                                      least 100%, up to the                                      maximum of $25,000 if                                      the HMR violation                                      causes the injury.                                     _Small bottle or box..        1,000                                     _55-gallon drum.......        2,500                                     _Larger container,            5,000                                      e.g., IBC; not                                      portable tank or tank                                      car.                                     For more specific                                      sections: Tank                                      cars_§                                      173.31(a), portable                                      tanks_§ 173.32,                                      and IM portable                                      tanks_§§                                      173.32a, .32b, and                                      .32c, q.v173.24a(a)(3)......................  Non-bulk packagings:          1,000                                      Failure to secure and                                      cushion inner                                      packagings.                                     _Causes leak..........        3,000                                     _Leak with any contact       10,000                                      between product and                                      any human being.173.24a(b)&(d).................  Non-bulk packagings:          1,000                                      Exceeding filling                                      limits.                                     _Causes leak..........        3,000                                     _Leak with any contact       10,000                                      between product and                                      any human being.173.24b(a).........................  Insufficient outage:          3,000                                     _<1%                                     _Causes leak..........        5,000                                     _Leak with any contact       10,000                                      between product and                                      any human being.173.24b(a)(3)......................  Outage <5% on PIH          5,000                                      material.                                     _Causes leak..........        7,500                                     _Leak with any contact       10,000                                      between product and                                      any human being.173.26.............................  Loaded beyond gross           5,000                                      weight or capacity as                                      stated in                                      specification.                                      (Applies only if                                      quantity limitations                                      do not appear in                                      packaging                                      requirements of Part                                      173.).173.28.............................  Improper reuse,               1,000                                      reconditioning, or                                      remanufacture of                                      packagings..173.29(a)..........................  Offering residue tank                                      car for                                      transportation when                                      openings are not                                      tightly closed                                      (§ 174.67(k) is                                      also usually                                      applicable). The                                      regulation requires                                      offering ``in the                                      same manner as when''                                      loaded and may be                                      cited when a car not                                      meeting                                      specifications (see                                      § 173.31(a)(1))                                      is released back into                                      transportation after                                      unloading; same                                      guideline amount.                                      Guidelines vary with                                      the type of commodity                                      involved:                                     _Hazardous material           2,000                                      with insignificant                                      vapor pressure and                                      without                                      classification as                                      ``poison'' or                                      ``inhalation hazard''.                                     _With actual leak.....        5,000                                     _With leak allowing          15,000                                      the product to                                      contact any human                                      being.                                     _Hazardous material           5,000                                      with vapor pressure                                      (essentially any gas                                      or compressed gas)                                      and/or with                                      classification as                                      ``poison'' or                                      ``inhalation                                      hazard.''.                                     _With actual leak.....        7,500                                     _With leak allowing          15,000                                      the product (or fumes                                      or vapors) to contact                                      any human being. (In                                      the case of fumes,                                      the ``contact'' must                                      be substantial.).                                     _Where only violation         1,000                                      is failure to secure                                      a protective housing,                                      e.g., the covering                                      for the gaging device.173.30.............................  A general duty section                                      that should be cited                                      with the explicit                                      statement of the                                      duty.173.31(a)(1).......................  Use of a tank car not                                      meeting                                      specifications and                                      the ``Bulk                                      packaging''                                      authorization in                                      Column 8 of the                                      § 172.101                                      Hazardous Materials                                      Table reference is:                                     § 173.240........        1,000                                     § 173.241........        2,500                                     § 173.242........        5,000                                     § 173.243........        5,000                                     § 173.244........        7,500                                     § 173.245........        7,500                                     § 173.247........        1,000                                     § 173.314, .315..        5,000                                     _Minor defect not               500                                      affecting the ability                                      of the package to                                      contain a hazardous                                      material, e.g., no                                      chain on a bottom                                      outlet closure plug.                                     Tank meets                    1,000                                      specification, but                                      specification is not                                      stenciled on car.                                      Note: § 179.1(e)                                      implies that only the                                      builder has the duty                                      here, but it is the                                      presence of the                                      stencil that gives                                      the shipper the right                                      to rely on the                                      builder. (See §                                      173.22(a)(3).).                                     Tank car not stenciled                                      ``Not for flammable                                      liquids,'' and it                                      should be. (AAR Tank                                      Car Manual, Appendix                                      C, C3.03(a)5.)                                     _Most cars............        2,500                                     _Molten sulfur car....          500                                     _If flammable liquid          5,000                                      is actually in the                                      car.173.31(a)(4).......................  Use of a tank car             5,000                                      stenciled for one                                      commodity to                                      transport another.173.31(a)(5).......................  Use of DOT-                  10,000                                      specification tank                                      car without shelf                                      couplers. (Note:                                      prior to November 15,                                      1992, this did not                                      apply to a car not                                      carrying hazardous                                      materials.).                                     _Against a carrier,           6,000                                      cite § 174.3 and                                      this section.173.31(a)(6).......................  Use of non-DOT               10,000                                      specification car                                      without shelf                                      couplers to carry                                      hazardous materials.                                      (Applies only since                                      November 15, 1990.).                                     _Against a carrier,           6,000                                      cite § 174.3 and                                      this section.173.31(a)(7).......................  Use of tank car               5,000                                      without air brake                                      support attachments                                      welded to pads.                                      (Effective July 1,                                      1991).173.31(a)(15)......................  Tank car with                 7,500                                      nonreclosing pressure                                      relief device used to                                      transport Class 2                                      gases, Class 3 or 4                                      liquids, or Division                                      6.1 liquids, PG I or                                      II.173.31(a)(17)......................  Tank car with interior        7,500                                      heating coils used to                                      transport Division                                      2.3 or Division 6.1,                                      PG I, based on                                      inhalation toxicity.173.31(b)(1), 173.31(b)(3).........  Shipper failure to            5,000                                      determine (to the                                      extent practicable)                                      that tank, safety                                      appurtenances, and                                      fittings are in                                      proper condition for                                      transportation;                                      failure to properly                                      secure closures.                                      (Sections                                      173.31(b)(1) &                                      .31(b)(3), often                                      cited as together for                                      loose closure                                      violations, are taken                                      as one violation.)                                      The unit of violation                                      is the car,                                      aggravated if                                      necessary for truly                                      egregious condition.                                      Sections 173.24(b)                                      & (f) establish a                                      ``no-leak'' design                                      standard, and 173.31                                      imposes that standard                                      on operations.                                     _With actual leak of         10,000                                      product.                                     _With actual leak            15,000                                      allowing the product                                      (or fumes or vapors)                                      to contact any human                                      being. (With safety                                      vent, be careful                                      because carrier might                                      be at fault.).                                     _Minor violation,             1,000                                      e.g., bottom outlet                                      cap loose on tank car                                      of molten sulfur                                      (because product is a                                      solid when shipped).                                     _Failure (.31(b)(1))          1,000                                      to have bottom outlet                                      cap off during                                      loading.173.31(b)(4).......................  Filling and offering          6,000                                      for transportation a                                      tank car overdue for                                      retest of tank,                                      interior heater                                      system, and/or safety                                      relief valve. Note                                      that the car may be                                      filled while in-date,                                      held, and then                                      shipped out-of-date.                                      (Adjust penalty if                                      less than one month                                      or more than one year                                      overdue.).173.31(c)(1).......................  Tank, interior heater                                      system, and/or safety                                      valve overdue for                                      retest. If these                                      conditions exist, the                                      violation is of                                      § 173.31(b)(4).                                      If the violation is                                      for improperly                                      conducting the                                      test(s), see the                                      expert attorney.173.31(c)(10)......................  Failure to properly           1,000                                      stencil a retest that                                      was performed.173.32c............................  Loose closures on an          5,000                                      IM portable tank                                      (§ 173.24                                      establishes the                                      ``tight closure''                                      standard; §                                      172.32c applies it to                                      IM portable tanks.)                                      (The scale of                                      penalties is the same                                      as for tank cars.).                                     _With actual leak of         10,000                                      product.                                     _With actual leak and        15,000                                      human being contact.                                     _Minor violation......        1,000173.314(b)(5)......................  No commodity stencil,         2,500                                      compressed gas tank                                      car. (See also §                                      172.330).173.314(c).........................  Compressed gas loaded         6,000                                      in excess of filling                                      density (same basic                                      concept as                                      insufficient outage).                                     _``T'' car with               5,000                                      excessive voids in                                      the thermal coating,                                      such that the car no                                      longer complies with                                      the DOT                                      specification.                                      Section 173.31(a)(1)                                      requires tank cars                                      used to transport                                      hazardous materials                                      to meet the                                      requirements of the                                      applicable                                      specification and                                      this section (§                                      173.314(c)) lists                                      112T/114T cars as                                      allowed for                                      compressed gases.------------------------------------------------------------------------                                PART 174------------------------------------------------------------------------General Requirements:    174.3..........................  Acceptance of                                      improperly prepared                                      shipment. This                                      general duty section                                      must be accompanied                                      by a citation to the                                      specific section                                      violated.    174.7..........................  Carrier's failure to          (\5\)                                      instruct employees;                                      cannot be based on                                      inference;                                      §§ 172.700-                                      .704 are preferred                                      citations.    174.8(b).......................  _Failure to inspect           4,000                                      hazardous materials                                      (and adjacent) cars                                      at point where train                                      is required to be                                      inspected. (Unit of                                      violation is the                                      train.) (Note: For                                      all ``failure to                                      inspect'' citations,                                      the mere presence of                                      a nonconforming                                      condition does not                                      prove a failure to                                      inspect.).                                     _Allowing unsafe              8,000                                      loaded placarded car                                      to continue in                                      transportation beyond                                      point where                                      inspection was                                      required). (Unit of                                      violation is the                                      car.).                                     _Failure to determine         5,000                                      whether placards are                                      in place and conform                                      to shipping papers                                      (at a required                                      inspection point).                                      (Unit of violation is                                      the car.).    174.9(a).......................  Failure to properly           4,000                                      inspect loaded,                                      placarded tank car at                                      origin or interchange.    174.9(b).......................  Loose or insecure             1,000                                      closures on tank car                                      containing a residue                                      of a hazardous                                      material. (FRA policy                                      is that, against a                                      railroad, this                                      violation must be                                      observable from the                                      ground because, for                                      reasons of safety,                                      railroad inspectors                                      do not climb on cars                                      absent an indication                                      of a leak.).    174.9(c).......................  Failure to ``card'' a         3,000                                      tank car overdue for                                      tank retest.    174.10(c)......................  Offering a                    3,000                                      noncomplying shipment                                      in interchange.    174.10(d)......................  Offering leaking car         10,000                                      of hazardous                                      materials in                                      interchange.    174.12.........................  Improper performance          3,000                                      of intermediate                                      shipper/carrier                                      duties; applies to                                      forwarders and                                      highway carriers                                      delivering TOFC/COFC                                      shipments to                                      railroads.    174.14.........................  Failure to expedite:          1,000                                      violation of ``48-                                      hour rule.'' Note:                                      does not apply to                                      cars ``held short''                                      of destination or                                      constructively placed.General Operating Requirements.....  Note: This subpart                                      (Subpart B) of Part                                      174 has three                                      sections referring to                                      shipment                                      documentation: §                                      174.24 relating to                                      accepting documents,                                      § 174.25                                      relating to the                                      preparation of                                      movement documents,                                      and § 174.26                                      relating to movement                                      documents in the                                      possession of the                                      train crew. Only the                                      most relevant section                                      should be cited. In                                      most cases, the unit                                      of violation is the                                      shipment, although                                      where a unified                                      consist is used to                                      give notice to the                                      crew, there is some                                      justification for                                      making it the train,                                      especially where the                                      discrepancy was                                      generated using                                      automated data                                      processing and the                                      error is repetitious.    174.24.........................  Accepting hazardous                                      materials shipment                                      without properly                                      prepared shipping                                      paper. (Note: The                                      carrier's duty                                      extends only to the                                      document received,                                      that is, a shipment                                      of hazardous                                      materials in an                                      unplacarded transport                                      vehicle with a                                      shipping paper                                      showing other than a                                      hazardous material is                                      not a violation                                      against the carrier                                      unless knowledge of                                      the contents of the                                      vehicle is proved.                                      Likewise, receipt of                                      a tank car placarded                                      for Class 3 with a                                      shipping paper                                      indicating a                                      flammable liquid does                                      not create a carrier                                      violation if the car,                                      in fact, contains a                                      corrosive. On the                                      other hand, receipt                                      of a placarded                                      trailer with a                                      shipping paper                                      listing only FAK                                      (``freight-all-                                      kinds''), imposes a                                      duty on the carrier                                      to inquire further                                      and to reject the                                      shipment if it is                                      improperly billed.)                                     _Improper hazardous           7,500                                      materials information                                      that could cause                                      delay or error in                                      emergency response.                                     _Total absence of             5,000                                      hazardous materials                                      information.                                     _Technical errors, not        1,000                                      likely to cause                                      problems, especially                                      with emergency                                      response.                                     _Minor errors not               500                                      relating to hazardous                                      materials emergency                                      response, e.g., not                                      listing an exemption                                      number and the                                      exemption is not one                                      affecting emergency                                      response.    174.25.........................  Preparing improper                                      movement documents.                                      (Similar to the                                      requirements in                                      § 174.24, here                                      the carrier is held                                      responsible for                                      preparing a movement                                      document that                                      accurately reflects                                      the shipping paper                                      tendered to it. With                                      no hazardous                                      materials information                                      on the shipper's bill                                      of lading, the                                      carrier is not in                                      violation_absent                                      knowledge of                                      hazardous                                      contents_for                                      preparing a                                      nonhazardous movement                                      document. While                                      ``movement                                      documents'' in the                                      rail industry used to                                      be waybills or switch                                      tickets (almost                                      exclusively),                                      carriers are now                                      incorporating the                                      essential information                                      into a consist,                                      expanded from its                                      former role as merely                                      a listing of the cars                                      in the train.)                                     _Information on the          15,000                                      movement document is                                      wrong to the extent                                      that it actually                                      caused or materially                                      contributed to a                                      reaction by emergency                                      responders that                                      aggravated the                                      situation or caused                                      or materially                                      contributed to                                      improper handling by                                      the carrier that led                                      to or materially                                      contributed to a                                      product release.                                     _Total lack of                7,500                                      hazardous materials                                      information on                                      movement document.                                      (Some shipping names                                      alone contain                                      sufficient                                      information to reduce                                      the guideline to the                                      next lower level, but                                      they may be such                                      dangerous products                                      that aggravation                                      needs to be                                      considered.).                                     _Some information is          5,000                                      present, but the                                      missing or improper                                      description could                                      cause mishandling by                                      the carrier or a                                      delay or error in                                      emergency response,                                      including missing                                      RESIDUE description                                      required by §                                      174.25(c).                                     _Missing/improper             3,500                                      endorsement, unless                                      on a switch ticket as                                      allowed under §                                      174.25(b).                                     _Movement document            2,500                                      does not indicate,                                      for a flatcar                                      carrying trailers or                                      containers, which                                      trailers or                                      containers contain                                      hazardous materials.                                      (If all trailers or                                      containers on the                                      flatcar contain                                      hazardous materials,                                      there is no                                      violation.).                                     _When the improper            1,000                                      description is not                                      likely to cause                                      serious problem                                      (technical defect).                                     _Minor errors not               500                                      related to hazardous                                      materials emergency                                      response, e.g., not                                      listing an exemption                                      number and the                                      exemption is not one                                      affecting emergency                                      response.                                     Note: Failure to                                      include emergency                                      response information                                      is covered at §                                      172.600-604; while                                      the normal unit of                                      violation for                                      movement documents is                                      the whole document,                                      failure to provide                                      emergency response                                      information is a                                      separate violation.    174.26(a)......................  Failure to execute the        5,000                                      required POISON GAS                                      and EXPLOSIVES 1.1/                                      1.2 notices. (The                                      notice is the unit of                                      violation, because                                      one notice can cover                                      several shipments.).                                     Failure to deliver the        5,000                                      required POISON GAS                                      and EXPLOSIVES 1.1/                                      1.2 notices to train                                      and engine crew.                                      (Cite this, or the                                      above, as                                      appropriate.).                                     Failure to transfer           3,000                                      notice from crew to                                      crew. (Note that this                                      is very likely an                                      individual liability                                      situation; the                                      penalty guideline                                      listed here, however,                                      presumes action                                      against a railroad.).                                     Failure to keep copy          1,000                                      of notice on file.    174.26(b)......................  Train crew does not           6,000                                      have a document                                      indicating position                                      in train of each                                      loaded, placarded                                      car. Aggravate by 50%                                      for Poison Gas, 2.3,                                      and Explosives, 1.1                                      and 1.2. (Train is                                      the unit of                                      violation.).                                     _Technical violation,         1,000                                      e.g., car is listed                                      in correct relative                                      order, but not in                                      exact numerical                                      order, usually                                      because of addition                                      of car or cars to                                      head or tail of                                      train. (Note: Applies                                      only if the actual                                      location is off by 10                                      or fewer cars.).    174.26(c)......................  Improper paperwork in                                      possession of train                                      crew. (If the                                      investigation of an                                      accident reveals a                                      violation of this                                      section and §                                      174.25, cite this                                      section.) (Shipment                                      is unit of violation,                                      although there is                                      justification for                                      making it the train                                      if a unified consist                                      is used to carry this                                      information and the                                      violation is a                                      pattern one                                      throughout all, or                                      almost all, of the                                      hazardous materials                                      shipments. For                                      intermodal traffic,                                      ``shipment'' can mean                                      the container or                                      trailer_e.g., a UPS                                      trailer with several                                      non-disclosed                                      hazardous materials                                      packages would be one                                      unit.)                                     _Information on the          15,000                                      document possessed by                                      the train crew is                                      wrong to the extent                                      that it caused or                                      materially                                      contributed to a                                      reaction by emergency                                      responders that                                      aggravated the                                      situation or caused                                      or materially                                      contributed to                                      improper handling by                                      the carrier that led                                      to or materially                                      contributed to a                                      product release.                                     _Total lack of                7,500                                      hazardous materials                                      information on                                      movement document.                                      (Some shipping names                                      alone contain                                      sufficient                                      information to reduce                                      the guideline to the                                      next lower level, but                                      they may be such                                      dangerous products                                      that aggravation                                      needs to be                                      considered.).                                     _Some information is          5,000                                      present but the                                      error(s) could cause                                      mishandling by the                                      carrier or a delay or                                      error in emergency                                      response. Includes                                      missing RESIDUE                                      description required                                      by § 174.25(c).                                     _Improper information,        3,500                                      but the hazardous                                      materials are small                                      shipments (e.g., UPS                                      moves) and PG III                                      (e.g., the ``low                                      hazard'' materials                                      allowed in TOFC/COFC                                      service without an                                      exemption since HM-                                      197).                                     _Technical defect not         1,000                                      likely to cause delay                                      or error in emergency                                      response or carrier                                      handling.                                     _Minor error not                500                                      relating to emergency                                      response or carrier                                      handling, e.g., not                                      listing the exemption                                      number on document                                      and the exemption is                                      not one affecting                                      emergency response.    174.33.........................  _Failure to maintain                                      ``an adequate supply                                      of placards.'' [The                                      violation is for                                      ``failure to                                      replace''; if missing                                      placards are                                      replaced, the supply                                      is obviously                                      adequate, if not,                                      failure to have a                                      placard is not a                                      separate violation                                      from failure to                                      replace it.]                                     _Failure to replace           1,000                                      lost or destroyed                                      placards based on                                      shipping paper                                      information. (This is                                      in addition to the                                      basic placarding                                      mistakes in, for                                      instance, §                                      172.504.).                                     Note: A railroad's                                      placarding duties are                                      to not accept a car                                      without placards                                      [§ 172.508(b)];                                      to maintain an                                      ``adequate supply''                                      of placards and to                                      replace them based on                                      shipping paper                                      information [§                                      174.33]; and to not                                      transport a car                                      without placards                                      [§ 174.59]. At                                      each inspection                                      point, a railroad                                      must determine that                                      all placards are in                                      place. [§                                      172.8(b)] The ``next                                      inspection point''                                      replacement                                      requirement in §                                      174.59, q.v., refers                                      to placards that                                      disappear between                                      inspection points; a                                      car at an inspection                                      point must be                                      placarded because it                                      is in transportation,                                      even if held up at                                      that point. [49                                      U.S.C. 5102(12)]    174.45.........................  Failure to report                                      hazardous materials                                      accidents or                                      incidents. Cite                                      §§ 171.15                                      or 171.16 as                                      appropriate.    174.50.........................  Moving leaking tank           7,500                                      car unnecessarily.                                     Failure to stencil            3,500                                      leaking tank car.                                     Loss of product              15,000                                      resulted in human                                      being contact because                                      of improper carrier                                      handling.    174.55.........................  Failure to block and                                      brace as prescribed.                                      (See also                                      §§ 174.61,                                      .63, .101, .112,                                      .115; where these                                      more specific                                      sections apply, cite                                      them.) Note: The                                      regulatory                                      requirement is that                                      hazardous materials                                      packages be loaded                                      and securely blocked                                      and braced to prevent                                      the packages from                                      changing position,                                      falling to the floor,                                      or sliding into each                                      other. If the load is                                      tight and secure,                                      pieces of lumber or                                      other materials may                                      not be necessary to                                      achieve the ``tight                                      load'' requirement.                                      Be careful on these                                      and consult freely                                      with the expert                                      attorney and                                      specialists in the                                      Hazardous Materials                                      Division.                                     _General failure to           5,000                                      block and brace.                                     _Inadequate blocking          2,500                                      and bracing (an                                      attempt was made but                                      blocking/bracing was                                      insufficient.).                                     _Inadequate blocking          7,500                                      and bracing leading                                      to a leak.                                     _Inadequate blocking         15,000                                      and bracing leading                                      to a leak and human                                      being contact.    174.59.........................  Marking and                                      placarding. Note: As                                      stated elsewhere, a                                      railroad's placarding                                      duties are to not                                      accept a car without                                      placards [§                                      172.508(b)], to                                      maintain an                                      ``adequate supply''                                      of placards and to                                      replace them based on                                      shipping paper                                      information [§                                      174.33], and to not                                      transport a car                                      without placards                                      [§ 174.59]. At                                      each inspection                                      point, a railroad                                      must determine that                                      all placards are in                                      place. [§                                      172.8(b)] The ``next                                      inspection point''                                      replacement                                      requirement in this                                      section refers to                                      placards that                                      disappear between                                      inspection points. A                                      car at an inspection                                      point must be                                      placarded because it                                      is in transportation                                      [49 U.S.C. 5102(12)],                                      even if held up at                                      that point. Because                                      the statute creates                                      civil penalty                                      liability only if a                                      violation is                                      ``knowing,'' that is,                                      ``a reasonable person                                      knew or should have                                      known that an act                                      performed by him was                                      in violation of the                                      HMR,'' and because                                      railroads are not                                      under a duty to                                      inspect hazardous                                      materials cars merely                                      standing in a yard,                                      violations written                                      for unplacarded cars                                      in yards must include                                      proof that the                                      railroad knew about                                      the unplacarded cars                                      and took no                                      corrective action                                      within a reasonable                                      time. (Note also that                                      the real problem with                                      unplacarded cars in a                                      railyard may be a                                      lack of emergency                                      response information,                                      §§ 172.600-                                      .604, and                                      investigation may                                      reveal that those                                      sections should be                                      cited instead of this                                      one.)                                     _Complete failure to          7,500                                      placard.                                     _One placard missing          1,000                                      (add $1,000 per                                      missing placard up to                                      a total of three;                                      then use the                                      guideline above).                                     For other placarding                                      violations, see                                      §§ 172.500-                                      .560 and determine if                                      one of them more                                      correctly states the                                      violation.    174.61.........................  Improper                      3,000                                      transportation of                                      transport vehicle or                                      freight container on                                      flat car. (Note: If                                      improper lading                                      restraint is the                                      violation, see §                                      174.55; if improper                                      restraint of a bulk                                      packaging inside a                                      closed transport                                      vehicle is the                                      violation, see §                                      174.63(b).).    174.63(a) & (c)............  _Improper                     3,000                                      transportation of                                      portable tank or                                      other bulk packaging                                      in TOFC/COFC service.                                     _Improper                     7,500                                      transportation                                      leading to a release                                      of product.                                     _Improper                    15,000                                      transportation                                      leading to a release                                      and human being                                      contact.    174.63(b)......................  Improper securement of                                      bulk packaging inside                                      enclosed transport                                      vehicle or freight                                      container.                                     _General failure to           5,000                                      secure.                                     _Inadequate securement        2,500                                      (an attempt to secure                                      was made but the                                      means of securement                                      were inadequate).                                     _Inadequate securement        7,500                                      leading to a leak.                                     _Inadequate securement       15,000                                      leading to a leak and                                      human being contact.    174.63(e)......................  Transportation of             7,500                                      cargo tank or multi-                                      unit tank car tank                                      without authorization                                      and in the absence of                                      an emergency.    174.67(a)(1)...................  Tank car unloading            2,500                                      operations performed                                      by persons not                                      properly instructed                                      (case cannot be based                                      on inference).    174.67(a)(2)...................  Unloading without                                      brakes set and/or                                      wheels blocked. (The                                      enforcement standard,                                      as per 1995 Hazardous                                      Materials Technical                                      Resolution Committee,                                      is that sufficient                                      handbrakes must be                                      applied on one or                                      more cars to prevent                                      movement and each car                                      with a handbrake set                                      must be blocked in                                      both directions. The                                      unloading facility                                      must make a                                      determination on how                                      many brakes to set.)                                     _No brakes set, no            5,000                                      wheels blocked, or                                      fewer brakes set/                                      wheels blocked than                                      facility's operating                                      plan.                                     _No brakes set, but           3,000                                      wheels blocked.                                     _Brakes set, but              4,000                                      wheels not blocked.    174.67(a)(3)...................  Unloading without             2,000                                      cautions signs                                      properly displayed.                                      (See Part 218,                                      Subpart B).    174.67(c)(2)...................  Failure to use non-                                      metallic block to                                      prop manway cover                                      open while unloading                                      through bottom outlet.                                     _Flammable or                 3,000                                      combustible liquid,                                      or other product with                                      a vapor flash point                                      hazard.                                     _Material with no               500                                      vapor flammability                                      hazard.    174.67(h)......................  Insecure unloading           10,000                                      connections, such                                      that product is                                      actually leaking.    174.67(i)......................  Unattended unloading..        5,000    174.67(j)......................  Discontinued unloading        2,000                                      without disconnecting                                      all unloading                                      connections,                                      tightening valves,                                      and applying closures                                      to all other                                      openings. (Note: If                                      the car is attended,                                      this subsection does                                      not apply.).    174.67(k)......................  Preparation of car                                      after unloading:                                      Removal of unloading                                      connections is                                      required, as is the                                      closing of all                                      openings with a                                      ``suitable tool.''                                      Note: This subsection                                      requires unloading                                      connections to be                                      ``removed'' when                                      unloading is                                      complete, §                                      174.67(j) requires                                      them to be                                      ``disconnected'' for                                      a temporary cessation                                      of unloading. The                                      penalties recommended                                      here mirror those in                                      § 173.29,                                      dealing with insecure                                      closures generally.                                     _Hazardous material           2,000                                      with insignificant                                      vapor pressure and                                      without                                      classification as                                      ``poison'' or                                      ``inhalation hazard''.                                     _With actual leak.....        5,000                                     _With leak allowing          15,000                                      the product to                                      contact any human                                      being.                                     _Hazardous material           5,000                                      with vapor pressure                                      (essentially any gas                                      or compressed gas)                                      and/or with                                      classification as                                      ``poison'' or                                      ``inhalation hazard''.                                     _With actual leak.....        7,500                                     _With leak allowing          15,000                                      the product (or fumes                                      or vapors) to contact                                      any human being).                                      Note: Contact with                                      fumes must be                                      substantial.    174.69.........................  _Complete failure to          6,000                                      remove loaded                                      placards and replace                                      with RESIDUE placard                                      on tank cars.                                     _Partial failure.             1,000                                      (Unit of violation is                                      the placard; the                                      guideline is used for                                      each placard up to 3,                                      then the penalty                                      above is applicable.).    174.81.........................  _Failure to obey              6,000                                      segregation                                      requirements for                                      materials forbidden                                      to be stored or                                      transported together.                                      (``X'' in the table).                                     _Failure to obey              4,000                                      segregation                                      requirements for                                      materials that must                                      be separated to                                      prevent commingling                                      in the event of a                                      leak. (``O'' in the                                      table).    174.83(a)......................  Improper switching of         5,000                                      placarded rail cars.    174.83(b)......................  Improper switching of         8,000                                      loaded rail car                                      containing Division                                      1.1/1.2, 2.3 PG I                                      Zone A, or Division                                      6.1 PG I Zone A, or                                      DOT 113 tank car                                      placarded for 2.1.    174.83(c)-(e)..................  Improper switching of         5,000                                      placarded flatcar.    174.83(f)......................  Switching Division 1.1/       8,000                                      1.2 without a buffer                                      car or placement of                                      Division 1.1/1.2 car                                      under a bridge or                                      alongside a passenger                                      train or platform.    174.84.........................  Improper handling of          4,000                                      Division 1.1/1.2, 2.3                                      PG I Zone A, 6.1 PG I                                      Zone A in relation to                                      guard or escort cars.    174.85.........................  Improper Train                                      Placement (The unit                                      of violation under                                      this section is the                                      car. Where more than                                      one placarded car is                                      involved, e.g., if 2                                      placarded cars are                                      too close to the                                      engine, both are                                      violations. Where                                      both have a similar                                      violation, e.g., a                                      Division 1.1 car next                                      to a loaded tank car                                      of a Class 3                                      material, each car                                      gets the appropriate                                      penalty as listed                                      below.)                                     RESIDUE car without at        3,000                                      least 1 buffer from                                      engine or occupied                                      caboose.                                     Placard Group                                      1_Division 1.1/1.2                                      (Class A explosive)                                      materials                                     _Fewer than 6 cars            8,000                                      (where train length                                      permits) from engine                                      or occupied caboose.                                     _As above but with at         7,000                                      least 1 buffer.                                     _No buffer at all             8,000                                      (where train length                                      doesn't permit 5).                                     _Next to open top car         7,000                                      with lading beyond                                      car ends or, if                                      shifted, would be                                      beyond car ends.                                     _Next to loaded flat          6,000                                      car, except closed                                      TOFC/COFC equipment,                                      auto carriers,                                      specially equipped                                      car with tie-down                                      devices, or car with                                      permanent bulkhead.                                     _Next to operating            7,000                                      temperature-control                                      equipment or internal                                      combustion engine in                                      operation.                                     _Next to placarded            7,000                                      car, except one from                                      same placard group or                                      COMBUSTIBLE.                                     Placard Group                                      2_Division 1.3/1.4/                                      1.5 (Class B and C                                      explosives); Class 2                                      (compressed gas,                                      other than Division                                      2.3, PG 1 Zone A;                                      Class 3 (flammable                                      liquids); Class 4                                      (flammable solid);                                      Class 5 (oxidizing                                      materials); Class 6,                                      (poisonous liquids),                                      except 6.1 PG 1 Zone                                      A; Class 8 (corrosive                                      materials).                                     For tank cars:                                     _Fewer than 6 cars            6,000                                      (where train length                                      permits) from engine                                      or occupied caboose.                                     _As above but with at         5,000                                      least 1 buffer.                                     No buffer at all              6,000                                      (where train length                                      doesn't permit 5).                                     _Next to open top car         5,000                                      with lading beyond                                      car ends or, if                                      shifted, would be                                      beyond car ends.                                     _Next to loaded flat          4,000                                      car, except closed                                      TOFC/COFC equipment,                                      auto carriers,                                      specially equipped                                      car with tie-down                                      devices, or car with                                      permanent bulkhead.                                     _Next to operating            5,000                                      temperature-control                                      equipment or internal                                      combustion engine in                                      operation.                                     _Next to placarded            5,000                                      car, except one from                                      same placard group or                                      COMBUSTIBLE.                                     For other rail cars:                                     _Next to placarded            5,000                                      car, except one from                                      same placard group or                                      COMBUSTIBLE.                                     Placard Group                                      3_Divisions 2.3 (PG 1                                      Zone A; poisonous                                      gases) and 6.1 (PG 1                                      Zone A; poisonous                                      materials)                                     For tank cars:                                     _Fewer than 6 cars            8,000                                      (where train length                                      permits) from engine                                      or occupied caboose.                                     _As above but with at         7,000                                      least 1 buffer.                                     No buffer at all              8,000                                      (where train length                                      doesn't permit 5).                                     _Next to open top car         7,000                                      with lading beyond                                      car ends or, if                                      shifted, would be                                      beyond car ends.                                     _Next to loaded flat          6,000                                      car, except closed                                      TOFC/COFC equipment,                                      auto carriers,                                      specially equipped                                      car with tie-down                                      devices, or car with                                      permanent bulkhead.                                     _Next to operating            7,000                                      temperature-control                                      equipment or internal                                      combustion engine in                                      operation.                                     _Next to placarded            7,000                                      car, except one from                                      same placard group or                                      COMBUSTIBLE.                                     For other rail cars:                                     _Next to placarded            5,000                                      car, except one from                                      same placard group or                                      COMBUSTIBLE.                                     Placard Group 4_Class                                      7 (radioactive)                                      materials.                                     For rail cars:                                     _Next to locomotive or        8,000                                      occupied caboose.                                     _Next to placarded            5,000                                      car, except one from                                      same placard group or                                      COMBUSTIBLE.                                     _Next to carload of           3,000                                      undeveloped film.    174.86.........................  Exceeding maximum             3,000                                      allowable operating                                      speed (15 mph) while                                      transporting molten                                      metals or molten                                      glass.    174.101(o)(4)..................  Failure to have proper                                      explosives placards                                      on flatcar carrying                                      trailers/containers                                      placarded for Class                                      1. (Except for a                                      complete failure to                                      placard, the unit of                                      violation is the                                      placard.).                                     _Complete failure to          7,500                                      placard.                                     _One placard missing          1,000                                      (add $1,000 per                                      missing placard up to                                      a total of three,                                      then use the                                      guideline above).    174.104(f).....................  Failure to retain car         1,000                                      certificates at                                      ``forwarding                                      station''.                                     Failure to attach car         1,000                                      certificates to car.                                      (Unit of violation is                                      the certificate, 2                                      are required.).    174.204........................  Improper tank car             3,000                                      delivery of gases                                      (Class 2 materials).    174.304........................  Improper tank car             3,000                                      delivery of flammable                                      liquids (Class 3                                      materials).    174.600........................  Improper tank car             5,000                                      delivery of materials                                      extremely poisonous                                      by inhalation                                      (Division 2.3 Zone A                                      or 6.1 Zone A                                      materials).------------------------------------------------------------------------                                PART 178------------------------------------------------------------------------178.2(b)...........................  Package not                                      constructed according                                      to                                      specifications_also                                      cite section not                                      complied with.                                     _Bulk packages,               8,000                                      including portable                                      tanks.                                     _55-gallon drum.......        2,500                                     _Smaller package......        1,000------------------------------------------------------------------------                                PART 179------------------------------------------------------------------------179.1(e)...........................  Tank car not                  8,000                                      constructed according                                      to                                      specifications_also                                      cite section not                                      complied with. (Note:                                      Part 179 violations                                      are against the                                      builder or repairer.                                      Sections in this Part                                      are often cited in                                      conjunction with                                      violations of                                      §§ 172.330                                      and 173.31                                      (a)&(b) by                                      shippers. In such                                      cases, the Part 179                                      sections are cited as                                      references, not as                                      separate alleged                                      violations.).179.6..............................  Repair procedures not         5,000                                      in compliance with                                      Appendix R of the                                      Tank Car Manual.------------------------------------------------------------------------\1\ See § 172.334.\2\ See § 172.516.\3\ Varies.\4\ See specific section.\5\ See penalties: 172.700-.704.

[61 FR 38647, July 25, 1996, as amended at 69 FR 30591, May 28, 2004]

Appendix C to Part 209—FRA's Policy Statement Concerning Small Entities
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This policy statement required by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–121) (SBREFA) explains FRA's communication and enforcement policies concerning small entities subject to the federal railroad safety laws. These policies have been developed to take into account the unique concerns and operations of small businesses in the administration of the national railroad safety program, and will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the railroad industry. For purposes of this policy statement, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601, et seq.), and the “excessive demand” provisions of the Equal Justice Act (5 U.S.C. 504 (a)(4), and 28 U.S.C. 2412 (d)(1)(D)), Class III railroads, contractors and hazardous materials shippers meeting the economic criteria established for Class III railroads in 49 CFR 1201.1–1, and commuter railroads or small governmental jurisdictions that serve populations of 50,000 or less constitute the class of organizations considered “small entities” or “small businesses.”

FRA understands that small entities in the railroad industry have significantly different characteristics than larger carriers and shippers. FRA believes that these differences necessitate careful consideration in order to ensure that those entities receive appropriate treatment on compliance and enforcement matters, and enhance the safety of railroad operations. Therefore, FRA has developed programs to respond to compliance-related inquiries of small entities, and to ensure proper handling of civil penalty and other enforcement actions against small businesses.

Small Entity Communication Policy

It is FRA's policy that all agency personnel respond in a timely and comprehensive fashion to the inquiries of small entities concerning rail safety statutes, safety regulations, and interpretations of these statutes and regulations. Also, FRA personnel provide guidance to small entities, as needed, in applying the law to specific facts and situations that arise in the course of railroad operations. These agency communications take many forms, and are tailored to meet the needs of the requesting party.

FRA inspectors provide training on the requirements of all railroad safety statutes and regulations for new and existing small businesses upon request. Also, FRA inspectors often provide impromptu training sessions in the normal course of their inspection duties. FRA believes that this sort of preventive, rather than punitive, communication greatly enhances railroad safety. FRA's Office of Safety and Office of Chief Counsel regularly provide oral and written responses to questions raised by small entities concerning the plain meaning of the railroad safety standards, statutory requirements, and interpretations of the law. As required by the SBREFA, when FRA issues a final rule that has a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities, FRA will also issue a compliance guide for small entities concerning that rule.

It is FRA's policy to maintain frequent and open communications with the national representatives of the primary small entity associations and to consult with these organizations before embarking on new policies that may impact the interests of small businesses. In some regions of the country where the concentration of small entities is particularly high, FRA Regional Administrators have established programs in which all small entities in the region meet with FRA regional specialists on a regular basis to discuss new regulations, persistent safety concerns, emerging technology, and compliance issues. Also, FRA regional offices hold periodic conferences, in which specific blocks of time are set aside to meet with small businesses and hear their concerns.

In addition to these communication practices, FRA has instituted an innovative partnership program that expands the extent to which small entities participate in the development of policy and process. The Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC) has been established to advise the agency on the development and revision of railroad safety standards. The committee consists of a wide range of industry representatives, including organizations that represent the interests of small business. The small entity representative groups that sit on the RSAC may appoint members of their choice to participate in the development of new safety standards. This reflects FRA's policy that small business interests must be heard and considered in the development of new standards to ensure that FRA does not impose unnecessary economic burdens on small businesses, and to create more effective standards. Finally, FRA's Web site (http://www.fra.dot.gov) makes pertinent agency information available instantly to the public.

FRA's longstanding policy of open communication with small entities is apparent in these practices. FRA will make every effort to develop new and equally responsive communication procedures as is warranted by new developments in the railroad industry.

Small Entity Enforcement Policy

FRA has adopted an enforcement policy that addresses the unique nature of small entities in the imposition of civil penalties and resolution of those assessments. Pursuant to FRA's statutory authority, and as described in Appendix A to 49 CFR part 209, it is FRA's policy to consider a variety of factors in determining whether to take enforcement action against persons, including small entities, who have violated the safety laws and regulations. In addition to the seriousness of the violation and the person's history of compliance, FRA inspectors consider “such other factors as the immediate circumstances make relevant.” In the context of violations by small entities, those factors include whether the violations were made in good faith (e.g., based on an honest misunderstanding of the law), and whether the small entity has moved quickly and thoroughly to remedy the violation(s). In general, the presence of both good faith and prompt remedial action militates against taking a civil penalty action, especially if the violations are isolated events. On the other hand, violations involving willful actions and/or posing serious health, safety, or environmental threats should ordinarily result in enforcement actions, regardless of the entity's size.

Once FRA has assessed a civil penalty, it is authorized to adjust or compromise the initial penalty claims based on a wide variety of mitigating factors, unless FRA must terminate the claim for some reason. FRA has the discretion to reduce the penalty as it deems fit, but not below the statutory minimums. The mitigating criteria FRA evaluates are found in the railroad safety statutes and SBREFA: The severity of the safety or health risk presented; the existence of alternative methods of eliminating the safety hazard; the entity's culpability; the entity's compliance history; the entity's ability to pay the assessment; the impacts an assessment might exact on the entity's continued business; and evidence that the entity acted in good faith. FRA staff attorneys regularly invite small entities to present any information related to these factors, and reduce civil penalty assessments based on the value and integrity of the information presented. Staff attorneys conduct conference calls or meet with small entities to discuss pending violations, and explain FRA's view on the merits of any defenses or mitigating factors presented that may have resulted or failed to result in penalty reductions. Among the “other factors” FRA considers at this stage is the promptness and thoroughness of the entity's remedial action to correct the violations and prevent a recurrence. Small entities should be sure to address these factors in communications with FRA concerning civil penalty cases. Long-term solutions to compliance problems will be given great weight in FRA's determinations of a final settlement offer.

Finally, under FRA's Safety Assurance and Compliance Program (SACP), FRA identifies systemic safety hazards that continue to occur in a carrier or shipper operation, and in cooperation with the subject business, develops an improvement plan to eliminate those safety concerns. Often, the plan provides small entities with a reasonable time frame in which to make improvements without the threat of civil penalty. If FRA determines that the entity has failed to comply with the improvement plan, however, enforcement action is initiated.

FRA's small entity enforcement policy is flexible and comprehensive. FRA's first priority in its compliance and enforcement activities is public and employee safety. However, FRA is committed to obtaining compliance and enhancing safety with reasoned, fair methods that do not inflict undue hardship on small entities.

[68 FR 24894, May 9, 2003]

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