(1) Operating without a certificate - Auto transportation companies.

(a) If a representative of the commission or other law enforcement agency observes a company operating as a passenger transportation company without a certificate from the commission, that company is subject to a gross misdemeanor citation, for which the company must appear in court.

(b) If the commission receives information that a company is operating as a passenger transportation company without a certificate, and a commission representative or other law enforcement agency has not observed those operations, the commission may:

(i) Issue a citation through the court; or

(ii) Contact the company and provide education and technical assistance concerning applicable regulations. This includes giving the company a copy of the applicable laws, rules, and certificate application forms.

(c) If the company continues to operate without a certificate after commission education and technical assistance is offered, the commission may begin an administrative proceeding to classify the company as a regulated company under RCW 81.04.510. If, as a result of that proceeding, the commission formally classifies the company as an auto transportation company or a charter and excursion carrier operating without the required certificate, the commission will issue a cease and desist order under RCW 81.04.510.

(d) If a company operates in violation of a commission order, the commission may impose penalties and/or take legal action in court.

(2) Operating without a certificate – Charter and excursion service carriers.

(a) For the purposes of this section, "engage in the business of a charter party carrier or excursion service carrier" includes advertising or soliciting, offering or entering into an agreement to provide such service.

(b) Each advertisement reproduced, broadcast or displayed via a particular medium constitutes a separate violation.

(c) Any person who engages in the business of a charter party carrier or excursion service carrier in violation of (a) of this subsection is subject to a penalty of up to five thousand dollars per violation.

(3) Operating while certificate is suspended - Auto transportation company. A company that operates after the commission suspends the company's certificate is subject to:

(a) Misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor citations, for which the company must appear in district court;

(b) Monetary penalty assessments or other commission administrative actions; or

(c) Commission proceedings to cancel the company's certificate.

(4) Operating after certificate is canceled - Auto transportation company. A company that continues to operate after the commission cancels the company's certificate is subject to:

(a) Misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor citations, for which the company must appear in district court; and

(b) Enforcement proceedings in superior court.

(5) Operating while certificate is suspended or canceled - Charter party or excursion service carriers.

(a) Operations includes advertising or soliciting, offering or entering into an agreement to provide such service.

(b) Each advertisement reproduced, broadcast, or displayed via a particular medium constitutes a separate violation.

(c) Any person who engages in the business of a charter party carrier or excursion service carrier in violation of subsection (2)(a) of this section is subject to a penalty of up to five thousand dollars per violation.