(1) The director may impose civil penalties or fines to any licensed contractor or certificate of competency holder that violates any provision of chapter 18.160 RCW, or this chapter. The director may impose the civil penalties or fines listed herein to any unlicensed contractor or uncertified person who operates in the state of Washington as a licensed fire protection sprinkler system contractor or certificate of competency holder. The director will record all violations.

(2) The director may issue a citation when an investigation verifies that the fire protection sprinkler system contractor or certificate of competency holder was not in compliance with or otherwise in violation of chapter 18.160 RCW, or this chapter.

(3) A violation is an action by a person who engages in the design, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, or repair of a fire protection sprinkler system or any part of such a system, and fails to comply with chapter 18.160 RCW, or this chapter.

(4) The director must take action on a license or certificate within five years after the violation is reported to the director.