An often misunderstood, and seldom known FMCSA guideline that also applies to Intrastate commerce, has to do with Medical cards.
According to FMCSA Guidelines, to be considered qualified to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (10,001 pounds and greater) of any kind (including ones that do not require a CDL to operate), a driver must pass a “DOT physical” and have a valid medical examination certificate (medical card). The cards are valid for a maximum of two years. This applies even if the driver never leaves the state.
An exception applies to grandfathered drivers – those who had a Wisconsin CDS prior to July 29, 1996.