Press Release

PUC Proposes Increased Liability Insurance Limits for Motor Carriers Transporting Fewer than 16 Passengers

Published on 2/9/2018

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – In conjunction with ongoing efforts to address changes in the transportation industry, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) issued a Proposed Rulemaking Order regarding liability insurance limits for motor carriers transporting fewer than 16 passengers. 

The proposed rulemaking, approved by a 5-0 vote, comes as the result of an ongoing Commission initiative to address changes in the transportation industry and reexamine motor carrier regulations.  In June 2017 the PUC sought comment on a list of transportation issues, including insurance requirements.

As a result of that review of transportation regulations – including consideration of comments filed with the PUC and an analysis of requirements by federal agencies and other states – the Commission is now proposing changes in certain minimum liability insurance limits.

The proposed rulemaking would change liability limits for motor carriers transporting fewer than 16 passengers, increasing from $35,000 to $125,000 the minimum coverage for bodily injury, death or property damage incurred in an accident arising from authorized service. The new proposed $125,000 minimum coverage would be split in the amounts of $50,000 bodily injury per person (in place of the current $15,000), $100,000 bodily injury per accident (in place of the current $30,000) and $25,000 property damage per accident (in place of the current $5,000).

Written comments regarding this proposed rulemaking order must be submitted within 30 days of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Those comments, referencing Docket Number L-2017-2604692, should be submitted to the following:

Secretary
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Commonwealth Keystone Building
400 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120  

The proposed rulemaking will also be submitted to the Office of Attorney General for review of form and legality; the Governor’s Budget Office, for review of fiscal impact; and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and Legislative Standing Committees for review and comments. A copy of the order will also be served on the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement, along with the Office of Consumer Advocate and the Office of Small Business Advocate.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.: L-2017-2604692

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov