Wash. Admin. Code § 480-31-150 – Intrastate medical waivers

(1) Department of licensing intrastate medical waiver. A private, nonprofit transportation provider may use a driver that is not physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle under Title 49 C.F.R. Part 391.41, if the driver:
1. (a) Only operates commercial motor vehicles intrastate, wholly within the state of Washington; and
2. (b) Has obtained from the Washington state department of licensing an intrastate medical waiver to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
  1. (i) With a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more;
  2. (ii) Transporting 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or
  3. (iii) With a manufacturer's seating capacity of 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
  For the purposes of a department of licensing medical waiver, a commercial motor vehicle means a motor vehicle:
(2) Doctor's statement of intrastate medical waiver. A private, nonprofit transportation provider may use a driver that is not physically qualified to drive a motor vehicle under Title 49 C.F.R. Part 391.41 or WAC 480-31-130, as applicable, if the driver:
1. (a) Holds a valid Washington state driver's license;
2. (b) Has received a doctor's statement that:
  1. (i) The driver's medical condition is not likely to interfere with the driver's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle; and
  2. (ii) The driver's condition is likely to remain stable for the two years or other specified date, but not more than the two years that the medical certificate is valid.
3. (c) Operates motor vehicles intrastate wholly within the state of Washington. For the purposes of a doctor's statement of intrastate medical waiver, a motor vehicle means a motor vehicle:
  1. (i) With a gross vehicle weight rating under 26,001 pounds;
  2. (ii) Transporting 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver; or
  3. (iii) With a manufacturer's seating capacity of 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver.
(3) Driver qualification files. A private, nonprofit transportation provider that uses a driver under an intrastate medical waiver must maintain in the driver's qualification file a physical or digital copy of the doctor's statement of intrastate medical waiver.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040, 81.01.010, 81.04.160, 81.80.290, and 81.77.030. WSR 23-15-054 (Docket T-220252, General Order R-607), § 480-31-150, filed 7/13/23, effective 8/13/23.]