1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a motor carrier may not operate motor vehicles upon any public highway in interstate commerce under a certificate of public convenience and necessity or permit issued to the carrier by the United States Department of Transportation until the carrier has:

   1. (1) registered the certificate or permit with the department annually in the form and manner required by the department; and

   2. (2) been issued an acknowledgment by the department.

      An acknowledgment issued under this subsection remains in effect until the acknowledgment is amended, suspended, canceled, revoked, or expires.

2. (b) A certificate of authority or permit issued before July 1, 1963, to an interstate common or contract carrier continues in effect as granted or amended. A certificate of authority or permit to which this subsection applies must be registered with the department in the form and manner required by the department. Upon registration by a motor carrier under subsection (a), the department shall issue an acknowledgment.
3. (c) An interstate certificate of registration or permit, or an acknowledgment of a certificate or permit, may be issued by the department without a public hearing.
4. (d) A motor carrier subject to this chapter may not operate motor vehicles within exempt commercial zones unless the carrier has registered with the department under this section.

As added by P.L.110-1995, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.42-2007, SEC.5.