(a) Notwithstanding the adoption of the laws and regulations as indicated in subsection (a) of this section, no requirements under this subchapter shall apply to any single vehicle or a vehicle in combination operated in intrastate commerce; provided that, neither the gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight, nor gross combination weight rating of the vehicle equals or exceeds 26,001 pounds, except for:
(1) A vehicle being used to transport hazards materials of a type or quantity that requires the vehicle to be marked or placarded in accordance with Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations; or
(2) A vehicle designed or used to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.