When a live hearing has been scheduled and no adjournment is requested, or if requested is not granted, respondent's failure to appear may subject the respondent, in the discretion of the presiding officer, to a default finding of guilt and the imposition of a fine up to the maximum amount prescribed by the Transportation Law. If a respondent fails to appear, the department is not required to produce evidence in support of the charges for the presiding officer to find the respondent guilty by default.