Validity of rules, orders, acts and regulations of department; construction of laws. (1) A substantial compliance with the requirements of the laws administered by the Department of Transportation regarding motor carriers and railroads is sufficient to give effect to all the rules, orders, acts and regulations of the department and they shall not be declared inoperative, illegal or void for any omission of a technical nature in respect thereto

(2) The provisions of such laws shall be liberally construed with a view to the public welfare, efficient facilities and substantial justice between customers and motor carriers or railroads. [1995 c.733 §17]