# Labor and Employment (GLE)

## Title 9. Workers' Compensation

### Subtitle 2. Covered Employees and Employers

#### Section 9-218

(a)

  (1) This section applies to an individual who is an owner operator of:

    (i) a Class F (tractor) vehicle, as described in Sec. 13-923 of the Transportation Article; or

    (ii) except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a Class E (truck) vehicle, as described in Sec. 13-916 of the Transportation Article, including a Class E (truck) vehicle described in Sec. 13-919 of the Transportation Article.

  (2) This section does not apply to the owner operator of a vehicle registered as a Class T vehicle under Sec. 13-920 of the Transportation Article.

(b) An individual who is an owner operator is not a covered employee if:

  (1) the individual and motor carrier make a written agreement for permanent or trip leasing;

  (2) under the agreement:

    (i) there is no intent to create an employer-employee relationship; and

    (ii) the individual is paid rental compensation; and

  (3) for federal tax purposes, the individual qualifies as an independent contractor.

(c)

  (1) A motor carrier who enters into an agreement under subsection (b) of this section is considered a principal contractor under Sec. 9-508 of this title.

  (2) An individual who is an owner operator and enters into an agreement under subsection (b) of this section is:

    (i) considered a subcontractor under Sec. 9-508 of this title;

    (ii) for purposes of being a subcontractor, not considered a covered employee of the entity that the individual operator owns; and

    (iii) not entitled to compensation from a principal contractor under Sec. 9-508 of this title.

(d) An individual who is an owner operator and enters into a written agreement under subsection (b) of this section shall provide proof of insurance for any covered employee of the individual as may be required by this title.

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Md. Code Ann., Lab. & Empl. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)