69-12-404. Suspension of certificate by petition. (1) (a) A motor carrier may petition the commission in writing to suspend its certificate for a period not to exceed 6 months. Only one additional 6-month suspension may be requested and granted.

(b) The suspension of a certificate of public convenience and necessity requested by a motor carrier pursuant to 69-12-311(1)(b) or 69-12-312(1)(b), by a Class C motor carrier, or by a Class D motor carrier may be granted upon a showing of present absence of public convenience and necessity or other showing of matters affecting motor carrier transportation.

(2) (a) The suspension of a certificate of compliance for a motor carrier pursuant to 69-12-311(1)(a) or 69-12-312(1)(a) or for a Class E motor carrier as provided for in subsection (1) for a period of 12 consecutive months automatically terminates a certificate of compliance and requires a motor carrier pursuant to 69-12-311(1)(a) or 69-12-312(1)(a) or a Class E motor carrier to reapply for a certificate of compliance.

(b) The suspension of a certificate of public convenience and necessity for a motor carrier pursuant to 69-12-311(1)(b) or 69-12-312(1)(b), a Class C motor carrier, or a Class D motor carrier as provided in subsection (1) for a period of 12 consecutive months establishes a prima facie presumption of absence of public convenience and necessity. If after notice and hearing the motor carrier pursuant to 69-12-311(1)(b) or 69-12-312(1)(b), the Class C motor carrier, or the Class D motor carrier is unable to prove the existence of public convenience and necessity or existing demand for the transportation service, the commission may cancel a certificate of public convenience and necessity.