(a) In the administration of the laws relating to highways, the secretary may conduct hearings, subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and take testimony. He or she may also cause depositions to be taken and order the production of books, papers and records relating to the matter under investigation. The fees for travel and attendance of witnesses and fees for officers shall be the same as for witnesses and officers before a civil division of the superior court and shall be paid by the state upon presentation of proper bills of cost to the commissioner of finance and management. The fees of witnesses summoned or used by the petitioner shall be paid by him or her. The secretary may appoint a hearing examiner to conduct hearings.

(b) A person aggrieved by the decision of a hearing under subsection (a) of this section may have the decision reviewed on the record by the superior court pursuant to Rule 74 of the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure unless otherwise specifically provided by law. (Added 1993, No. 61, § 9, eff. June 3, 1993; amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238.)