Kansas Corporation Commission approves revised motor-carrier penalty matrix

The Kansas Corporation Commission on June 30 approved a staff-recommended order (docket 26 TRAM0410 MIS) adopting the transportation division’s uniform penalty assessment table for fiscal year 2027.

Chair French moved approval of the order after staff presented the proposal; Commissioner Kether seconded and both commissioners voted in favor. Commissioner Keane was absent.

Assan Latif, appearing on behalf of commission staff, said the changes reflect an annual review of motor‑carrier civil fines and field trends. “These fines are aimed at improving the safety of motor carriers operating amongst the general public and enforcing motor carrier rules and regulations,” Latif said. He told commissioners staff made four substantive changes to the penalty matrix: increasing penalties for carriers that fail to implement a drug‑testing program, fail to obtain required insurance, fail to maintain inspection and maintenance records, and changing the prior single $500 penalty so carriers now receive a penalty for each driver found operating without a required commercial driver’s license.

Latif said staff determines penalties by considering business size and the gravity of violations and that the changes reflected input from special investigators and industry trends. The commission’s approval authorizes staff to apply the updated matrix in enforcement actions going forward.

The motion to approve the order passed with the two present commissioners voting yes and no further discussion recorded. The commission then proceeded to a separately noticed public hearing on proposed permanent regulations.