1. (a) A person may not operate any motor vehicle over the public highways for hire, unless the operations are specifically exempt under this chapter, without first having obtained appropriate operating authority from the department to do so, and having otherwise complied with all other applicable provisions of this chapter.

2. (b) The department or the state police department may apply to an administrative law judge of the department or a court with jurisdiction for an order to impound a motor vehicle that is offered by a motor carrier to the general public for the transportation of passengers for hire if:

   1. (1) the motor carrier has not obtained the required authority from the department to operate the motor vehicle for hire; and

   2. (2) there is probable cause to believe that the motor vehicle has been operated on an Indiana highway to transport passengers for hire.

      A hearing on an application to impound a motor vehicle under this subsection may not be held sooner than three (3) days after the date on which a notice of hearing on the application is served on the motor carrier. The motor carrier may contest the application to impound the motor vehicle at the hearing.

3. (c) A motor carrier that operated a motor vehicle impounded under this section may not obtain possession of the impounded motor vehicle unless the motor carrier obtains the required authority to operate the motor vehicle for hire.

As added by P.L.99-1989, SEC.13. Amended by P.L.176-2006, SEC.8.