Whenever a CDL is issued, a driver’s license examiner will ask the CDL driver to self-certify to the category designation that applies to him or her. The first step is to determine if he/she is an interstate or intrastate driver. If someone is new to the transportation industry, that person should decide which category they expect to be engaged in. This step is important because it affects the self-certification.
Interstate drivers transport loads across state lines or continue the transportation of loads originating in another state or country.
Intrastate drivers transport loads only within the state of Iowa. Their loads originate and terminate in Iowa. Drivers who certify in this category will have a “K” restriction placed on their license indicating intrastate driving only (when operating a commercial motor vehicle).
The driver must select which one of the four categories applies to them. The categories are:
Nonexcepted interstate: This driver conducts interstate commerce and must have a Medical Examiner’s Certificate per federal regulation. The certificate must be placed on file with the Iowa DOT under the new regulations.
Excepted interstate: This driver conducts interstate commerce, but is involved in one of the several transportation activities that have a federal exception from the medical requirements (49 CFR parts 390.3(f), 391.2, 391.68, and 398.3).
Nonexcepted intrastate: This driver conducts intrastate commerce within the state of Iowa and must have a Medical Examiner’s Certificate per Iowa Code 321.449 and 321.450. The certificate does not have to be on file with the Iowa DOT.
Excepted intrastate: This driver operates within the state of Iowa, but is excepted from medical requirements per Iowa Code 321.449 and 321.450.