(a) The department, after notice and hearing, may suspend or revoke the license issued to a lessor-retailer upon determining that the person to whom the license was issued is not lawfully entitled thereto, or has done any of the following:
(1) Filed an application for the license using a false or fictitious name not registered with the proper authorities, or knowingly made any false statement or knowingly concealed any material fact, in the application for the license.
(2) Used a false or fictitious name, knowingly made any false statement or knowingly concealed any material fact in any application for the registration of a vehicle, or otherwise committed a fraud in the application.
(3) Knowingly purchased, sold, or otherwise acquired or disposed of a stolen motor vehicle.
(4) Violated any provision of Division 3 (commencing with Section 4000) or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto.
(5) Violated any provision of Division 4 (commencing with Section 10500) or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto.
(6) Violated any provision of this chapter or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto.
(7) Violated any provision of Chapter 2b (commencing with Section 2981) of Title 14 of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto under the authority of Section 1651.
(8) Submitted a check, draft, or money order to the department for any obligation or fee due the state which was thereafter dishonored or refused payment upon presentation.
(9) Caused any person to suffer any loss or damage by reason of any fraud or deceit practiced on, or fraudulent representations made to, that person in the sale of a vehicle or parts or accessories thereof.
For purposes of this subdivision, “fraud” includes any act or omission which is included within the definition of either “actual fraud” or “constructive fraud” as defined in Sections 1572 and 1573 of the Civil Code, and “deceit” has the same meaning as defined in Section 1710 of the Civil Code. In addition, “fraud” and “deceit” include, but are not limited to, a misrepresentation in any manner, whether intentionally false or due to gross negligence, of a material fact; a promise or representation not made honestly and in good faith; an intentional failure to disclose a material fact; and any act within Section 484 of the Penal Code.
For purposes of this subdivision, “person” also includes a governmental entity.
(b) Any of the causes specified in this chapter as a cause for refusal to issue a license to a lessor-retailer applicant is cause to suspend or revoke a license issued to a lessor-retailer.
(c) Every hearing provided for in this section shall be conducted pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1563, Sec. 36.)