Section 37.291. Civil penalties for safety violations

(a) If a motor vehicle is inspected by an enforcement officer while in operation, and is found to be in violation of this chapter, a complaint may be instituted in accordance with section 701 of the act (relating to complaints), for the purpose of levying civil penalties as prescribed by section 3301 of the act (relating to civil penalties for violations). For the purpose of this section, the phrase ‘‘while in operation’’ includes vehicles housed at the carrier’s facilities but in readiness to be operated.

(b) If a driver of a motor carrier is found to be in violation of this chapter as the result of an inspection or an audit by an enforcement officer, a complaint may be instituted in accordance with section 701 of the act for the purpose of levying civil penalties as prescribed by section 3301 of the act.

(c) If a motor carrier is found to be in violation of this chapter as the result of an inspection or an audit by an enforcement officer, a complaint may be instituted in accordance with section 701 of the act, for the purpose of levying civil penalties as prescribed by section 3301 of the act.