49 U.S.C. § 21302 — Chapter 201 accident and incident viola-

Page 621 TITLE 49—TRANSPORTATION § 21302 HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES PUB. L. 103–272 Revised Section Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) 21301(a)(1) .. 45:438(a). Oct. 16, 1970, Pub. L. 91–458, § 209(a), 84 Stat. 975; re- stated Jan. 14, 1983, Pub. L. 97–468, § 706, 96 Stat. 2581; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, § 3(a)(1), 102 Stat. 624; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, § 9(a)(1), 106 Stat. 977. 45:438(c) (1st, 3d sen- tences). Oct. 16, 1970, Pub. L. 91–458, § 209(c) (1st, 3d, 5th–8th sentences), 84 Stat. 975; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, § 3(a)(3)(A), (C), 102 Stat. 624; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, § 4(c)(1), 106 Stat. 974. 21301(a)(2) .. 45:438(b) (related to rules, regulations, orders, or stand- ards issued under this subchapter). Oct. 16, 1970, Pub. L. 91–458, § 209(b) (related to rules, regulations, orders, or standards issued under this title), 84 Stat. 975; Jan. 3, 1975, Pub. L. 93–633, § 204(a), 88 Stat. 2165; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, § 3(a)(2), 102 Stat. 624; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, § 4(a)(1), 106 Stat. 973. 21301(a)(3) .. 45:438(c) (5th, 6th sentences). 21301(b) ...... 45:438(c) (7th sen- tence). 21301(c) ...... 45:438(c) (8th sen- tence). In subsection (a), the words ‘‘impose’’ and ‘‘imposed’’ are substituted for ‘‘assessed’’, for consistency in the revised title. In subsection (a)(1), the first 2 sentences are sub- stituted for 45:438(a) and (c) (1st sentence) for consist- ency in the revised title and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words ‘‘(including but not limited to a rail- road; any manager, supervisor, official, or other em- ployee or agent of a railroad; any owner, manufacturer, lessor, or lessee of railroad equipment, track, or facili- ties; any independent contractor providing goods or services to a railroad; and any employee of such owner, manufacturer, lessor, lessee, or independent con- tractor)’’ are omitted as surplus because of the defini- tion of ‘‘person’’ in 1:1 and because the provision being violated indicates to whom it applies. The word ‘‘shall’’ in 45:438(c) (1st sentence) is retained from the source provisions. For a discussion of whether the authority of the Secretary of Transportation to impose a penalty is mandatory or permissive, see Railway Labor Executives’ Ass’n v. Dole, 760 F.2d 1021, 1024, 1025 (9th Cir. 1985); H.R. Conf. Rept. No. 100–637, 100th Cong., 2d Sess., p. 20; 134 Cong. Rec. H3470, May 23, 1988 (daily ed.); 134 Cong. Rec. S7510, June 9, 1988 (daily ed.). See also 134 Cong. Rec. E1946, June 10, 1988 (daily ed.). For an extended discus- sion of FRA’s prosecutorial discretion, see Nationwide Rail Safety: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Transpor- tation, Tourism, and Hazardous Materials of the House En- ergy and Commerce Committee, 100th Cong., 1st Sess., pp. 54–65 (1987). See also section 6 of this bill that provides that this bill restates, without substantive change, the provisions of law replaced by this bill, and that this bill may not be construed as making a substantive change in the law restated. Therefore, the word ‘‘shall’’ in this subsection has the same meaning it has under existing law. The words ‘‘A separate violation’’ are substituted for ‘‘a separate offense’’ for consistency. In subsection (a)(3), the words ‘‘may compromise the amount . . . to not less than $500’’ are substituted for ‘‘may, however, be compromised . . . for any amount, but in no event for an amount less than the minimum provided in subsection (b) of this section’’ for clarity and to eliminate unnecessary words. In clause (B), the words ‘‘prior or subsequent’’ are omitted as unneces- sary. In subsection (c), the words ‘‘deposited in’’ are sub- stituted for ‘‘covered into’’ for consistency in the re- vised title and with other titles of the United States Code. PUB. L. 104–287 This amends 49:21301(a)(1) to clarify the restatement of 45:438(a) by section 1 of the Act of July 5, 1994 (Public Law 103–272, 108 Stat. 891). Editorial Notes AMENDMENTS 2021—Subsec. (a)(3), (4). Pub. L. 117–58 added pars. (3) and (4) and struck out former par. (3). Prior to amend- ment, par. (3) read as follows: ‘‘The Secretary may compromise the amount of a civil penalty imposed under this subsection to not less than $500 before refer- ring the matter to the Attorney General for collection. In determining the amount of a compromise, the Sec- retary shall consider— ‘‘(A) the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation; ‘‘(B) with respect to the violator, the degree of cul- pability, any history of violations, the ability to pay, and any effect on the ability to continue to do busi- ness; and ‘‘(C) other matters that justice requires.’’ 2008—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 110–432, § 204(d)(1), in- serted ‘‘with section 20160 or’’ after ‘‘comply’’ and ‘‘sec- tion 20160 of this title or’’ after ‘‘violating’’. Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 110–432, § 302(a), substituted ‘‘$25,000.’’ for ‘‘$10,000.’’ and ‘‘$100,000.’’ for ‘‘$20,000.’’ Pub. L. 110–432, § 204(d)(2), inserted ‘‘The Secretary shall impose a civil penalty for a violation of section 20160 of this title.’’ after first sentence. 1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–287, § 5(53)(B), sub- stituted ‘‘Secretary under chapter 201 is liable’’ for ‘‘Secretary of Transportation under chapter 201 of this title is liable’’. Pub. L. 104–287, § 5(53)(A), inserted ‘‘A person may not fail to comply with a regulation prescribed or order issued by the Secretary of Transportation under chap- ter 201 of this title.’’ before ‘‘Subject to’’. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1996 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 104–287 effective July 5, 1994, see section 8(1) of Pub. L. 104–287, set out as a note under section 5303 of this title. § 21302. Chapter 201 accident and incident viola- tions and chapter 203–209 violations (a) PENALTY.—(1) Subject to section 21304 of this title, a person violating a regulation pre- scribed or order issued under chapter 201 of this title related to accident and incident reporting or investigation, or violating chapters 203–209 of this title or a regulation or requirement pre- scribed or order issued under chapters 203–209, is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty. An act by an individual that causes a railroad carrier to be in violation is a violation. A separate violation occurs for each day the violation continues. (2) The Secretary of Transportation imposes a civil penalty under this subsection. The amount of the penalty shall be at least $500 but not more than $25,000. However, when a grossly negligent violation or a pattern of repeated violations has caused an imminent hazard of death or injury to individuals, or has caused death or injury, the amount may be not more than $100,000. (3) The Secretary may compromise the amount of the civil penalty under section 3711 of title 31. In determining the amount of a com- promise, the Secretary shall consider— Page 622 TITLE 49—TRANSPORTATION § 21302 (A) the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation; (B) with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of violations, the ability to pay, and any effect on the ability to continue to do business; and (C) other matters that justice requires. (4) If the Secretary does not compromise the amount of the civil penalty, the Secretary shall refer the matter to the Attorney General for collection. (b) CIVIL ACTIONS TO COLLECT.—The Attorney General shall bring a civil action in a district court of the United States to collect a civil pen- alty that is referred to the Attorney General for collection under subsection (a) of this section. The action may be brought in the judicial dis- trict in which the violation occurred or the de- fendant has its principal executive office. If the action is against an individual, the action also may be brought in the judicial district in which the individual resides. (Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 892; Pub. L. 110–432, div. A, title III, § 302(b), Oct. 16, 2008, 122 Stat. 4878.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Revised Section Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) 21302 .......... 45:6 (1st sentence words before 23d comma and be- tween 24th comma and pro- viso, 2d sentence words before 2d comma, last sen- tence). Mar. 2, 1893, ch. 196, § 6 (1st sentence words before 23d comma and between 24th comma and proviso, 2d sentence words before 2d comma, last sentence), 27 Stat. 532; restated Apr. 1, 1896, ch. 87, 29 Stat. 85; Aug. 14, 1957, Pub. L. 85–135, § 1(1), 71 Stat. 352; July 8, 1976, Pub. L. 94–348, § 3(a), 90 Stat. 818; Nov. 2, 1978, Pub. L. 95–574, § 7(a), 92 Stat. 2461; Oct. 10, 1980, Pub. L. 96–423, § 8(b), 94 Stat. 1814; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, § 13(1)(F), 102 Stat. 630; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, §§ 4(a)(1), (c)(3), 9(a)(3), 106 Stat. 973, 974, 977. 45:8 (words before 16th comma). Mar. 2, 1903, ch. 976, § 1 (words before 23d comma), 32 Stat. 943; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, § 13(2)(A), 102 Stat. 631. 45:9 (last sentence). Mar. 2, 1903, ch. 976, 32 Stat. 943, § 2 (last sentence); added Apr. 11, 1958, Pub. L. 85–375, § 1(b)(3), 72 Stat. 86. 45:10 (words after 19th comma). Mar. 2, 1903, ch. 976, § 3 (last sentence words after semi- colon), 32 Stat. 944. 45:12 (1st sentence words after semi- colon). Apr. 14, 1910, ch. 160, § 3 (1st sentence words between semicolon and proviso), 36 Stat. 298. 45:13 (1st sentence words before last comma, 2d sen- tence words be- fore proviso, last sentence). Apr. 14, 1910, ch. 160, § 4 (1st sentence words before last comma, 2d sentence words before proviso, last sen- tence), 36 Stat. 299; Aug. 14, 1957, Pub. L. 85–135, § 1(2), 71 Stat. 352; July 8, 1976, Pub. L. 94–348, § 3(b), 90 Stat. 818; Nov. 2, 1978, Pub. L. 95–574, § 7(b), 92 Stat. 2461; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, § 13(3) (C)(i)–(iv), 102 Stat. 632; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, §§ 4(a)(1), (c)(4), 9(a)(5), 106 Stat. 973, 974, 978. 45:14 (words after semicolon). Apr. 14, 1910, ch. 160, § 5 (words after semicolon), 36 Stat. 299. HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES—CONTINUED Revised Section Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) 45:30 (1st sentence related to 45:34). Mar. 4, 1915, ch. 169, § 2 (1st sentence related to § 9 of Act of Feb. 17, 1911), 38 Stat. 1192; Apr. 22, 1940, ch. 124, § 2, 54 Stat. 148; Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1965, eff. July 27, 1965, 79 Stat. 1320. 45:34 (1st sentence words before last comma, 2d, last sentences). Feb. 17, 1911, ch. 103, § 9 (1st sentence words before last comma, 2d, last sen- tences), 36 Stat. 916; Apr. 22, 1940, ch. 124, § 1 (related to § 9 of Act of Feb. 17, 1911), 54 Stat. 148; Aug. 14, 1957, Pub. L. 85–135, § 3, 71 Stat. 352; Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1965, eff. July 27, 1965, 79 Stat. 1320; July 8, 1976, Pub. L. 94–348, § 3(c), 90 Stat. 818; Nov. 2, 1978, Pub. L. 95–574, § 7(c), 92 Stat. 2461; Oct. 10, 1980, Pub. L. 96–423, § 8(c), 94 Stat. 1814; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, § 14(7)(A), 102 Stat. 633; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L,. 102–365, §§ 4(a)(1), (c)(7), 9(a)(8), 106 Stat. 973, 975, 978. 45:43 (1st sentence words before last comma, 2d sen- tence, 3d sentence words before 5th comma, last sen- tence). May 6, 1910, ch. 208, § 7 (1st sentence words before last comma, 2d sentence, 3d sentence words before 5th comma, last sentence), 36 Stat. 351; Sept. 13, 1960, Pub. L. 86–762, § 3, 74 Stat. 904; restated June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, § 15(4), 102 Stat. 634; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, §§ 4(a)(1), (c)(5), 9(a)(6), 106 Stat. 973, 974, 978. 45:438(b) (related to 45:39). Oct. 16, 1970, Pub. L. 91–458, § 209(b) (related to § 2 of Act of May 6, 1910), 84 Stat. 975; Jan. 3, 1975, Pub. L. 93–633, § 204(a), 88 Stat. 2165; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, § 3(a)(2), 102 Stat. 624; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, § 4(a)(1), 106 Stat. 973. 49 App.:26(h) (1st sentence words before last comma, 2d, 3d sentences, 4th sentence words before last comma, last sen- tence). Feb. 4, 1887, ch. 104, 24 Stat. 379, § 25(h) (1st sentence words before last comma, 2d, 3d sentences, 4th sen- tence words before last comma, last sentence); added Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, § 441, 41 Stat. 498; restated Aug. 26, 1937, ch. 818, 50 Stat. 837; Sept. 18, 1940, ch. 722, § 14(b), 54 Stat. 919; July 8, 1976, Pub. L. 94–348, § 3(d), 90 Stat 818; Nov. 2, 1978, Pub. L. 95–574, § 7(d), 92 Stat. 2461; Oct. 10, 1980, Pub. L. 96–423, § 8(d), 94 Stat. 1814; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, § 17(7), (8), 102 Stat. 636; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, §§ 4(a)(1), (c)(6), 9(a)(7), 106 Stat. 973, 974, 978. 49 App.:1655(e)(1)(A), (C), (E)–(G), (K), (6)(A). Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, § 6(e)(1)(A), (C), (E)–(G), (K), (6)(A), 80 Stat. 939. In subsection (a)(1), the words ‘‘(including but not limited to 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 pro- viding goods or services to a railroad; and any em- ployee of such owner, manufacturer, lessor, lessee, or independent contractor)’’ are omitted as surplus be- cause of the definition of ‘‘person’’ in 1:1 and because the provision being violated indicates to whom it ap- plies. The words ‘‘violating a regulation prescribed or order issued under chapter 201 of this title related to accident and incident reporting or investigation’’ are substituted for ‘‘violating . . . any rule, regulation, order, or standard issued under . . . the Federal Rail- road Safety Act of 1970 [45 U.S.C. 431 et seq.] pertaining Page 623 TITLE 49—TRANSPORTATION § 21303 to accident reporting or investigations’’ in 45:43, and the words ‘‘violating chapters 203–209 of this title or a regulation or requirement prescribed or order issued under chapters 203–209’’ are substituted for various lan- guage in the source provisions, for clarity, for consist- ency in this section, and to eliminate unnecessary words. The words ‘‘liable to the United States Govern- ment for a civil penalty’’ are substituted for ‘‘liable to a penalty’’ for clarity. The text of 45:438(b) (related to 45:39) is omitted as covered by 45:43. In subsection (a)(2), the words ‘‘The Secretary of Transportation imposes a civil penalty under this sub- section’’ are substituted for ‘‘to be assessed by the Sec- retary of Transportation’’ in 45:6, ‘‘Such penalty shall be assessed by the Secretary of Transportation’’ in 45:13, the text of 45:10 (words after 7th comma) and 14 (words after semicolon), and ‘‘in such amount . . . as the Secretary of Transportation deems reasonable’’ in 45:34 and 43 and 49 App.:26(h) for clarity and to elimi- nate unnecessary words. The words ‘‘per violation’’ are omitted as surplus. In subsections (a)(3) and (b), the words ‘‘Attorney General’’ are substituted for ‘‘United States attorney’’, ‘‘such attorneys, subject to the direction of the Attor- ney General’’, ‘‘proper United States attorney’’ and ‘‘proper United States attorneys’’ because of 28:509. In subsection (a)(3), the words ‘‘section 3711 of title 31’’ are substituted for ‘‘the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966’’ and ‘‘sections 3711 and 3716 to 3718 of title 31’’ because the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966 has been repealed and reenacted as part of title 31 and penalties are compromised under 31:3711. In clause (B), the words ‘‘prior or subsequent’’ are omitted as unnec- essary. In subsection (a)(4), the words ‘‘the Secretary shall refer the matter to the Attorney General for collec- tion’’ are substituted for ‘‘recovered in a suit or suits to be brought by’’ for clarity. The words ‘‘and it shall also be the duty of the Secretary of Transportation to lodge with . . . information of any such violations as may come to his knowledge’’ and ‘‘and it shall be the duty of the director of locomotive inspection to give in- formation . . . of all violations coming to his knowl- edge’’ are omitted as obsolete. In subsection (b), the words ‘‘The Attorney General shall bring a civil action in a district court of the United States to collect a civil penalty that is referred to the Attorney General for collection under subsection (a) of this section’’ are substituted for ‘‘and it shall be the duty of such United States attorney to bring such suits upon duly verified information being lodged with him of such violation having occurred’’ in 45:6, and for ‘‘It shall be the duty of such attorneys to bring such suits upon duly verified information being lodged with them showing such violations having occurred’’ in 49 App.:26, for clarity and consistency in this section and with other provisions of the revised title. Editorial Notes AMENDMENTS 2008—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 110–432 substituted ‘‘$25,000.’’ for ‘‘$10,000.’’ and ‘‘$100,000.’’ for ‘‘$20,000.’’ § 21303. Chapter 211 violations (a) PENALTY.—(1) Subject to section 21304 of this title, a person violating chapter 211 of this title, including section 21103 (as such section was in effect on the day before the date of enact- ment of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008), or violating any provision of a waiver ap- plicable to that person that has been granted under section 21108 of this title, is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty. An act by an individual that causes a railroad carrier to be in violation is a violation. For a violation of section 21106 of this title, a separate violation occurs for each day a facility is not in compliance. (2) The Secretary of Transportation imposes a civil penalty under this subsection. The amount of the penalty shall be at least $500 but not more than $25,000. However, when a grossly negligent violation or a pattern of repeated violations has caused an imminent hazard of death or injury to individuals, or has caused death or injury, the amount may be not more than $100,000. (3) The Secretary may compromise the amount of the civil penalty under section 3711 of title 31. In determining the amount of a com- promise, the Secretary shall consider— (A) the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation; (B) with respect to the violator, the degree of culpability, any history of violations, the ability to pay, and any effect on the ability to continue to do business; and (C) other matters that justice requires. (4) If the Secretary does not compromise the amount of the civil penalty, the Secretary shall refer the matter to the Attorney General for collection. (b) CIVIL ACTIONS TO COLLECT.—(1) The Attor- ney General shall bring a civil action in a dis- trict court of the United States to collect a civil penalty that is referred to the Attorney General for collection under subsection (a) of this sec- tion after satisfactory information is presented to the Attorney General. The action may be brought in the judicial district in which the vio- lation occurred or the defendant has its prin- cipal executive office. If the action is against an individual, the action also may be brought in the judicial district in which the individual re- sides. (2) A civil action under this subsection must be brought not later than 2 years after the date of the violation unless administrative notifica- tion under section 3711 of title 31 is given within that 2-year period to the person committing the violation. However, even if notification is given, the action must be brought within the period specified in section 2462 of title 28. (c) IMPUTATION OF KNOWLEDGE.—In any pro- ceeding under this section, a railroad carrier is deemed to know the acts of its officers and agents. (Pub. L. 103–272, § 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 892; Pub. L. 103–440, title II, § 204, Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4620; Pub. L. 104–287, § 5(54), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3393; Pub. L. 110–432, div. A, title I, § 108(e)(2)(B), title III, § 302(c), Oct. 16, 2008, 122 Stat. 4866, 4878.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES PUB. L. 103–272 Revised Section Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large) 21303 .......... 45:63a(d) (related to 45:64a). Mar. 4, 1907, ch. 2939, 34 Stat. 1415, § 3A(d) (related to § 5); added July 8, 1976, Pub. L. 94–348, § 4(d), 90 Stat. 819; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, § 16(4), 102 Stat. 635.