SECTION 595:25-11-3. Procedure

  In the event that the Department has determined that a license should be denied, suspended, revoked or canceled, or that an operator should be denied or removed from the Rotation Log for any reason, or both, the following procedures shall apply in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, 75 O.S. § 309, et seq.

(1)   The Department shall send by first-class mail Notice of Department Action containing all information required by 75 O.S.§ 309, et seq., to the concerned applicant or operator at the last known address as reflected by the records of the Department. The Department shall follow up the mailed Notice with a documented telephone call to the telephone number on file with the Department for the wrecker service to ensure the wrecker service has received and understands the Notice.

(2)   The notice shall provide that the Department action shall become effective fifteen (15) days after date of mailing to the applicant or operator, unless the applicant or operator timely files a written request for a hearing with the Department of Public Safety, Wrecker Services Division. Such request shall be timely when filed prior to the effective date of the Department Action.

(3)   If a timely hearing is requested, the hearing shall be scheduled within forty-five (45) days from the date the Department receives the request.

(4)   The Department hearing officer shall be designated by the Commissioner, and each party shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard and to present evidence.

(5)   The hearing officer shall render a decision based upon the law and the evidence presented and shall enter an appropriate final order regarding the matter. Each party shall be promptly notified either personally or by mail.

(6)   Unless the hearing officer timely receives a written request for a rehearing, reopening or reconsideration of the decision as provided by the Administrative Procedures Act, the final order will become effective ten (10) days after the entry of the decision.

(7)   If an applicant operator fails to appear at the scheduled hearing without good cause, the hearing officer shall record the nonappearance and enter a final order reflecting the effective date prescribed in (2) of this Subsection, in lieu of the decision and final order as prescribed in (5) and (6) of this Subsection. Each party shall be promptly notified thereof either personally or by mail.

(8)   If the Department representative fails to appear without good cause, the hearing officer shall record the nonappearance and enter a final order of dismissal of the Department Actions. The order of dismissal shall be without prejudice if the basis for the action constitutes noncompliance or a continuing violation of these rules. Each party shall be promptly notified thereof either personally or by mail.

(9)   Where a timely written request for a rehearing, reopening or reconsideration of the case is received, the Department Action shall be stayed until ten (10) days after an order is issued concerning the request for rehearing, reopening or reconsideration of the case.

(10)   Notwithstanding (2) through (9) of this Subsection, Department Action shall become effective immediately where:

(A)   An original application for a license or placement on the Rotation Log is denied for failure to qualify under this Chapter.

(B)   The Department finds that the health, safety, or welfare of the public imperatively requires such action and finding to that effect is incorporated in its order, pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, 75 O.S. § 314(c).

(11)   Where the Department has determined that a minor disqualification and/or violation exists which may be readily rectified by the applicant or operator, the Department of Public Safety may informally notify such party by mail or telephone of such minor disqualification or violation, with a request for compliance with a specified period of time. If such party fails to rectify the minor disqualification or violation, the Department may proceed according to other provisions of this Subchapter.

[Source: Amended at 13 Ok Reg 2821, eff 6-28-96; Amended at 21 Ok Reg 3011, eff 7-25-04; Amended at 22 Ok Reg 2700, eff 7-25-05; Amended at 31 Ok Reg 2335, eff 9-12-14]