(1) Every application for operating authority and every protest to application for operating authority must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee:

(a) The application fee for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to operate as a motor carrier is $500, $300 to be refunded by the commission if the application does not proceed to hearing.

(b) The application fee for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to operate as a motor carrier under a federal or state contract, as provided under 69-12-324 , MCA, is $100.

(c) The protest fee for a motor carrier protest or motor carrier applicant protest of an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity is $200, all to be refunded by the commission if the application does not proceed to hearing.