Apparently you aren't familiar with the new "self certify" rules.
I have been involved in both intrastate and interstate transportation for 36 years now, long before CDL's were even implemented in 1992.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/medical
What are CDL holders required to do?
You must determine whether you operate in interstate or intrastate commerce, and are excepted or non-excepted from either the Federal or State requirements. You must certify to your SDLA that you fall into one of the four operation categories listed below:
- Interstate non-excepted: You are an Interstate non-excepted driver and must meet the Federal DOT medical card requirements (e.g. you are "not excepted").
- Interstate excepted: You are an Interstate excepted driver and do not have to meet the Federal DOT medical card requirements.
- Intrastate non-excepted: You are an Intrastate non-excepted driver and are required to meet the medical requirements for your State.
- Intrastate excepted: You are an Intrastate excepted driver and do not have to meet the medical requirements for your State.
Who Needs a Commercial License in Michigan?
You'll need to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) in MI if you intend to drive any of the following:
- A single vehicle whose actual, registered, or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is 26,001 lbs. or more.
- A vehicle that is towing a trailer or another vehicle with a GVWR of 10,001 lbs. or more, with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more.
- A vehicle designed to either transport at least 16 passengers (including the driver) or carry hazardous materials.
My vehicles were under 10K GVW which only require a chauffeur license.
Therefore:
Obtaining a Chauffeur's License in Michigan
To obtain a MI chauffeur's license, you must pass a written chauffeur's license test. If you haven't already received your operator's license, you'll also need to complete a driver's education class and pass a skills test.
Your MI chauffeur's license will cost $35. Testing is available through Secretary of State
branch offices.
The following professions all require a chauffeur's license:
- Chauffeurs: Depending on the type of vehicle you are operating, you may also need to obtain a Michigan CDL. See "Who Needs a Commercial License in Michigan?" above.
- Taxi drivers.
They fall under the category of intrastate excepted, and subsequently require no medical card.
IF the OP is registered commercially and flies a DOT number AND is certified "Interstate Excepted", does not require a DOT medical card.
Well, I hope they don't get busted. In Rhode Island that vehicle requires a Class C CDL.
See here on the application:
http://www.dmv.ri.gov/documents/forms/license/CDLApplication.pdf
AND if they are "Intrastate Excepted" they do not need a DOT card.