With all the hubbub around Toyota's unintended acceleration debacle, the New York Times reports that the United States' Department of Transportation will be seeking the highest civil fine ever (per automotive recall) allowed by the Tread Act: $16.375 million.
This is "because the company had failed to promptly notify the government about potential problems with accelerator pedals."
For reference, Automotive News states that Toyota waited "at least" four months before announcing the sticky-accelerator issue, which companies would normally have up to five days to report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
