(a) Purpose. This part adjusts the civil penalty liability amounts prescribed in 49 U.S.C. 46301(a) for inflation in accordance with the Act cited in paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) Periodic adjustment. DOT will periodically adjust the maximum civil penalties set forth in 49 U.S.C. 46301 and this part as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 as amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015.

Civil penalties payable to the U.S. Government for violations of Title 49, Chapters 401 through 421, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 46301(a), are as follows:

(a) A general civil penalty of not more than $41,577 (or $1,828 for individuals or small businesses) applies to violations of statutory provisions and rules or orders issued under those provisions, other than those listed in paragraph (b) of this section (see 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(1)); and

(b) With respect to small businesses and individuals, notwithstanding the general civil penalty specified in paragraph (a) of this section, the following civil penalty limits apply:

(1) A maximum civil penalty of $16,630 applies for violations of most provisions of Chapter 401, including the anti-discrimination provisions of sections 40127 (general provision), and 41705 (discrimination against the disabled) and rules and orders issued pursuant to those provisions (see 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(A));

(2) A maximum civil penalty of $8,315 applies for violations of section 41719 and rules and orders issued pursuant to that provision (see 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(C)); and

(3) A maximum civil penalty of $4,159 applies for violations of section 41712 or consumer protection rules or orders (see 49 U.S.C. 46301(a)(5)(D)).