Administrative fine in lieu of or in addition to suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew a certificate of operation or competency.

(1) If the department finds that one or more grounds exist for the suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew any certificate of operation or certificate of competency issued under this chapter, the department may, in its discretion, in lieu of or in addition to suspension or revocation or in lieu of refusal to renew, impose upon the certificateholder an administrative penalty in an amount up to $500, or, if the department has found willful misconduct or willful violation on the part of the certificateholder, in an amount up to $3,500.

(2) The department may allow the certificateholder a reasonable period, no more than 30 days, within which to pay to the department the amount of the penalty so imposed. If the certificateholder fails to pay the penalty in its entirety to the department within the period so allowed, the certificate of that person must be suspended until the penalty is paid. If the certificateholder fails to pay the penalty in its entirety to the department within 90 days after the period so allowed, the certificate of that person must be revoked.