About this document

This UFA User Manual outlines the steps that FMCSA employees or State enforcement staff should take when using the UFA software. In addition, it provides guidance on which selections are most appropriate when completing the fields within the software. This user manual and the updates to the UFA software are intended to improve the uniformity, effectiveness, and transparency of the FMCSA penalty assessment methodology. The overall goal is to induce compliance with the applicable statutes, regulations, and administrative requirements, thereby improving safety for both the public and regulated entities. The UFA algorithm was redesigned to be less complex, and the UFA software will generate an updated report that explains the methodology and penalty calculations. 
 
This user manual serves as a guide for using the UFA software in the enforcement of the regulations under the jurisdiction of FMCSA. No manual can predict or cover all possible scenarios encountered by field personnel. There may be instances where UFA is not appropriate for calculating a civil penalty. Please consult your Service Center before using a method other than UFA to determine a civil penalty

Uniform Fine Assessment (UFA) software

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) includes several important provisions intended to help the Administration in its important mission to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. It is important to note that the provisions of MAP-21, related to increased penalties, have been included in the Uniform Fine Assessment (UFA) software. The UFA software was developed to promote uniformity and consistency in the assessment of civil penalties for violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Commercial Regulations 

(FMCCRs), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), and Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs). UFA assists FMCSA staff and its State partners who perform investigations, roadside inspections, hazardous materials package inspections, and other enforcement actions, when calculating civil penalties for violations of our regulations.