Longform Physical or wallet size Medical Card when OTR?
 

Just double checking with those of you that know the rules & regulations better than I - Is it really necessary to carry the Longform Medical Certifcation with us out on the road at all times? No answer will be a surprise but I learned that you DO NOT get caught without your wallet size Medical Card or it's about a $700 fine & that the 4 pager doesn't really need to go everywhere we go, Which is Correct?

I don't recall being asked for anything buy my card when checked. As far as I know you are only required to have the card with you. The DOT has no need to see the long form, only that you have passed the physical and it is current. The card gives them that information.

Either or, but you do not really have to have both with you.

If you do not have one of them that is current then it is some serious money and a potential shut down until you do get it.

Re: Longform Physical or wallet size Medical Card when OTR?
 

Depends on the state you live in. Here in Indiana where I have my DL, they don't give you a card anymore, and haven't the last 2 times I had to renew my physical. If your state gives you both, then you have your choice. How much room does a 2 page with 4 sides take up in a big truck...lol

The actual cards are no longer used. The "card" now is about the size of a large index card that is usually printed on a piece of paper.

Also the state has nothing to do with the long form physical or medical card. That is all federal is shape and form.

The only thing states have to say about it is that some state require a current and valid physical before renewing your CDL where others do not.

I think you get the jest of what I was saying. In Indiana we dont have the choice, we get what we are given.

You said:
Either or, but you do not really have to have both with you.
If you do not have one of them that is current then it is some serious money and a potential shut down until you do get it.

If we want to nitpick then no one really ever gets a card, so there is no reason to talk about a card..

well,that's not entirely true,last time i went through a DOT inspection in maryland (sb 95 just south of the DE border) the officer ask for my card and the long form,i carry both,just in case

Longform/Card
 

Carry both if that's what the occupational health examiner gives you. The long form may be a Zerox copy if the company paid for the physical, the original if you paid for it. Your employer will have the original or a copy, but they'll have one too. BOL

if you carry both you will never have to worry about it, always be prepared

I maintained a file box in which I kept all relative documents, including DOT physicals, random drug screenings, copies of trip reports, receipts, expendetures, scale tickets,....anything that pertained to what I was doing in that truck, money spent, or with the company that I drove for.

I was asked to show my medical card when I underwent a D.O.T. Level III Inspection, but was not asked to produce any other documentation as far as the long form was concerned.