§17E-1-8. Exemptions to the commercial driver's license requirements.

(a) Bona fide farmers or farm vehicle drivers, as defined, operating a vehicle otherwise covered by the commercial driver's license requirements may be exempted from the provisions of this article only if the vehicle used is:

(1) Driven by a farmer or farm vehicle driver;

(2) Used only to transport either agricultural products, farm machinery, farm supplies, to or from a farm;

(3) Not used in the operation of a common or contract motor carrier; and

(4) Used within one hundred fifty miles of the qualifying farm.

Farmers who wish to be exempted from the commercial driver's license requirements must apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a certificate of exemption.

(b) Active duty military personnel operating vehicles being used for military purposes are exempted from the provisions of this article in accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR §383.3 (c)(2006).

(c) Fire fighting and rescue equipment. Operators of vehicles authorized to hold an "authorized emergency vehicle permit" for use of red signal lights only are exempt from the provisions of this article while the "authorized emergency vehicle permit" is in force. Vehicles in this class include, but are not limited to, firefighters and rescue equipment:

(1) Owned and operated by state, county and municipal fire departments;

(2) Owned and operated by state, county and municipal civil defense organizations;

(3) Owned and operated by a manufacturer engaged in a type of business that requires firefighter equipment to protect the safety of their plants and its employees; or

(4) Owned and operated by volunteer fire departments.

(d) Operators of off-road construction and mining equipment. Operators of equipment which, by its design, appearance and function, is not intended for use on a public road, including, without limitation, motorscrapers, backhoes, motorgraders, compactors, excavators, tractors, trenches and bulldozers, are exempt from the provisions of this article: Provided, That the exemption recognized by this subsection shall not be construed to permit the operation of such equipment on any public road except such operation as may be required for a crossing of such road: Provided, however, That no such equipment may be operated on a public road for a distance exceeding five hundred feet from the place where such equipment entered upon the public road.

(e) The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 exempts vehicles used exclusively for personal use such as recreation vehicles and rental trucks used only to transport the driver's personal or household property.