Qualification of drivers - Maryland

Maryland has adopted Part 391 of the Federal Regulations with some modifications.

Part 391 applies to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds as well as to anyone transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding.

Farm Exemption —Part 391 does not apply to a farmer in the transportation of supplies or farm products within 150 air miles of the farm.

A driver qualification file (Sec. 391.51) is required. There are exceptions to the physical qualification requirement. See Physical Qualification below for details

Exception — Sections 391.21, 391.23, and 391.31 of the Federal Regulations do not apply to drivers regularly employed by a carrier since before July 1, 1986, and do not transport hazardous materials requiring placarding.

Effective October 1, 2003, physical exam and certification requirements apply to a driver who operates a vehicle or vehicle combination with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, as well as to drivers transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding.

Grandfather Clause — There is a “grandfather clause” which applies to a driver who was qualified prior to October 1, 2003, who has a physical or mental condition which would otherwise cause the driver to be disqualified. Under the “grandfather clause” the driver will remain qualified until October 1, 2023, as long as the driver remains physically qualified and his/her condition remains the same. Should his/her condition change the “grandfather clause” would no longer apply.

Exception — A driver with a commercial driver's license not meeting the physical qualification requirements may qualify for a waiver. Contact the Motor Vehicle Administration for the specifics regarding a waiver possibility.