61-4-216. Administrative hearings and adjudications -- procedure. (1) A new motor vehicle dealer or transferee of a new motor vehicle dealer who is directly and adversely affected by the action or conduct of a manufacturer, person, or entity described in 61-4-208(1) that is alleged to be in violation of any provision of Montana law, including but not limited to 30-11-701 through 30-11-713, 30-11-717 through 30-11-719, 61-4-131 through 61-4-137, 61-4-150, 61-4-208, and 61-4-213, may seek a declaration and adjudication of rights and obligations with respect to the alleged action or conduct by filing with the department a complaint and request for an administrative hearing that conforms substantially with the requirements of the contested case provisions of the Montana Administrative Procedure Act, Title 2, chapter 4, which governs all matters and procedures respecting the hearing and judicial review of cases such as this. The hearing officer shall assess the department's costs against the parties or a party as a cost of the action.

(2) Objections or notice of protest pursuant to 61-4-205(1) and (2) must be adjudicated pursuant to those statutes if mediation pursuant to 61-4-215 is unsuccessful.