The purpose of this chapter is to establish the training and testing requirements to qualify emergency vehicle drivers of Maryland fire department, rescue squad, emergency medical services unit or volunteer fire company emergency vehicles that are exempt from certain driver licensing requirements as authorized under Transportation Article §16-102(a)(12), Annotated Code of Maryland. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Administration” means the Motor Vehicle Administration. “Emergency vehicle” means a commercial motor vehicle that is: Owned or operated by a Maryland fire and rescue organization; Authorized and used for emergency or rescue purposes; and Exempt from the Class A and B licensing requirements as authorized under Transportation Article, §16-102(a)(12), Annotated Code of Maryland. “Emergency vehicle operator” is a member or employee of a Maryland fire and rescue organization that is authorized to operate an emergency vehicle in the performance of official duties. “Emergency vehicle operator card” means a card: Approved by the Administration; Issued by the designated officer having jurisdiction for the Maryland fire and rescue organization; and Certifying that an individual: Has successfully completed an approved emergency vehicle operator training course; and Is qualified to operate an emergency vehicle. “Emergency vehicle operator course” means an emergency vehicle training and testing course approved by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Education and Training Commission to train, test, and qualify individuals as emergency vehicle operators. “Fire and rescue organization” means a Maryland fire department, rescue squad, emergency medical services unit, or volunteer fire company that is authorized to operate emergency vehicles for fire and rescue purposes. To qualify for an emergency vehicle operator card and an exemption from the Class A and B licensing requirements as authorized under Transportation Article, §16-102(a)(12), Annotated Code of Maryland, an emergency vehicle operator shall: Possess a valid Maryland Class C driver's license or a valid equivalent driver's license from another jurisdiction; Possess a certification of the successful completion of an approved emergency vehicle operator course; and Obtain authorization from a designated officer having jurisdiction for the Maryland fire and rescue organization to operate an emergency vehicle in the performance of official duties. For 1- year period beginning October 1, 2003, an emergency vehicle operator is eligible to receive an emergency vehicle operator card without complying with the requirements of §A(2) of this regulation if the emergency vehicle operator possesses a valid: Maryland Class A or B driver's license; or Equivalent driver's license from another jurisdiction that authorizes the operation of an emergency vehicle. When operating an emergency vehicle, an emergency vehicle operator exempt under Transportation Article, §16-102(a)(12), Annotated Code of Maryland, shall possess a valid: Maryland Class C driver's license or a valid equivalent driver's license from another jurisdiction; and Emergency vehicle operator card. An emergency vehicle operator authorized by a designated officer having jurisdiction for the Maryland fire and rescue organization may operate an emergency vehicle in the performance of official duties if the emergency vehicle operator possesses a valid: Maryland Class A or B driver's license; or Equivalent driver's license from another jurisdiction. The designated officer of an approved emergency vehicle operator training course shall: Issue a written certification to individuals who successfully complete an approved emergency vehicle operator training course; and Maintain records of all individuals who successfully complete an approved emergency vehicle operator's training course. The designated officer having jurisdiction for the Maryland fire and rescue organization that operates emergency vehicles under that organization's jurisdiction shall: Issue emergency vehicle operator cards to individuals qualified to operate emergency vehicles under Regulation .03 of this chapter; and Maintain the records of: All emergency vehicle operators authorized to operate vehicles under the organization's jurisdiction; and The types of emergency vehicle they are authorized to drive. Failure to comply with this chapter is a misdemeanor under the Transportation Article, §16-102, Annotated Code of Maryland. Transportation Article, §§12-104(b) and 16-102, Annotated Code of Maryland Effective date: November 10, 2003 (30:22 Md. R. 1583)