(a) If, upon inspection or investigation, based upon a complaint or otherwise, the department has cause to believe that a person is acting in the capacity, or engaging in the business, of a dealer within this state without having a license in good standing therefor, and the person is not otherwise exempt pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 18002.6, the department may issue a citation to that person in writing, describing with particularity the basis of the citation. Each citation may contain an order of abatement and assessment of a civil penalty not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000). All civil penalties collected under this section shall be deposited in the Mobilehome-Manufactured Home Revolving Fund provided for in Section 18016.5.
(b) The department may adopt regulations prescribing procedures for issuance of citations under this section and covering the assessment of a civil penalty which shall give due consideration to the gravity of the violation, the good faith of the person cited, and any history of previous violations.
(c) The sanctions authorized under this section shall be separate from, and in addition to, all other civil or criminal remedies.
(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 567, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2005.)