Civil fines upped for school bus operators

Civil penalties for school bus firms operating unsafe equipment have been increased, effective Dec. 27, by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The regulation applies to all schools or school systems who own or operate school buses. All school buses, whether in interstate or intrastate operation, must meet the federal standards.

The new maximum civil penalty for penalty for each violation involving school buses or school bus equipment is $11,000. The new maximum penalty for a series of such violations is in excess of $17 million.

To read the new rule, click on the following link:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-11-27/pdf/2012-28694.pdf.