194.34 Contract motor carriers; license; application and hearing.

(1) No person may operate any motor vehicle as a contract motor carrier unless the person first obtains a license and, if required under this chapter, a permit issued by the department, or unless the person is registered by another state under the unified carrier registration system consistent with the standards under 49 USC 13908 and 14504a, for the operation of the motor vehicle, except that no permit is required for the operation of a semitrailer. The department may refuse to issue any license or may attach to the exercise of the privilege granted by a license any terms or conditions which are permitted under this chapter.

(2) The department shall issue a license without a hearing and order if the department finds that the applicant is fit, willing and able to provide the transportation to be authorized by the license and to comply with this chapter.

(3) In determining the ability and fitness of a contract motor carrier under sub. (2), the department shall consider all of the following:

(a) The applicant's compliance with the requirements of ss. 194.41 and 194.42.

(b) The applicant's safety record.

(c) The applicant's financial ability to provide cargo insurance or to have adequate financial resources in order to pay for damage claims against the company.

(d) The applicant's reliability and service record.

(4) If the department denies a license, the department shall notify the applicant in writing of the reason, and the applicant shall have 30 days to correct the deficiency and reapply without payment of an additional application fee.

History: 1981 c. 347 ss. 61, 80 (1); 1985 a. 208; 1993 a. 16; 1999 a. 139; 2007 a. 20; 2013 a. 163.