Sec. 18. The department may inquire into the management of the business of all common carriers subject to this chapter, and shall keep itself informed as to the manner and method in which the same is conducted, and may obtain from such carriers full and complete information necessary to enable the department to perform the duties and carry out the objects for which the department was created. The department shall enforce this chapter and all the other statutes of this state the enforcement of which is devolved upon the department, and such other statutes of this state as shall prescribe the duties and obligations and regulate the conduct of the carriers subject to this chapter in their dealings with the public and each other as common carriers of passengers and property in this state, and, to enable the department so to do, the department may institute and prosecute, in its name, any appropriate action at law or suit in equity, in any circuit or superior court of this state, against any such carrier to compel it to observe the requirements of this chapter and all other statutes of this state, and the orders of the department made under this chapter or any other law of this state, and all orders and judgments of any court in this state made under this chapter; or to restrain any such carrier from the further continuance of any act or practice suffered or authorized by it in violation of this chapter, the other statutes of this state, the orders of the department or a court made under this chapter, and the costs and expenses of such proceedings shall be audited and approved by the auditor of state and paid as provided in this chapter.

Formerly: Acts 1905, c.53, s.20; Acts 1907, c.241, s.17. As amended by P.L.62-1984, SEC.11; P.L.384-1987(ss), SEC.26.