DOT ramps up rail safety enforcement, collects 25% more fines in 2025

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today announced a 25 percent year-over-year increase in rail safety fines. Under President Trump and Secretary Duffy, FRA is deploying more safety inspectors, enhancing regulations, and embracing innovation. Together, these actions will ensure rail travel is safer for American families and supply lines are more reliable for American businesses.

“Under President Trump, safety is our North Star,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “From our railroads to our runways to our roads, we are delivering safe and reliable infrastructure so families and businesses can confidently use our big, beautiful transportation systems every day.”

As outlined in FRA’s FY 2025 Annual Enforcement Report, the agency conducted more than 70,000 inspections to assess compliance with safety regulations and laws. FRA issued more than $21 million in civil penalties and successfully closed approximately 3,900 cases. About $18 million were for violations of rail safety laws and about $3.2 million were for violations related to hazardous materials transportation laws.
“FRA safety inspectors are on the front line in the fight to keep our nation’s railroads safe and this report is proof positive that they are succeeding,” said FRA Administrator David Fink.