Do you have to carry DOT medical card and long form always?

Only if you're EXCEPTED intrastate.

 

Define Local.

You have the Interstate Commerce, crossing state lines.

You also have INTRASTATE Commerce, staying within say Rhode Island. (Why anyone would do such a think is beyond me //teasing)

Then there is Local further divided into Tiers of trucking. Example Tier Two Im not required to hold a medical card at all. But I drive next to a harvester in the field at the farm, when full go away to find a COOP or silo within 125 miles then back to that field to the harvester again to fill me. Mindless, easy.

DOT medicals are tied to Tier One which is Interstate Intrastate Commerce. Any other Tiers are part of the State at the revenuer office. (DMV to you yankees)

Ive carried only God knows everything over the years. Im pretty happy to be where I am in life not to be worried about all of that old hat. Let some other poor hampster run the wheel.

 

I had an Inspection yesterday in Texas. The Trooper asked for my license only, never asked for my medical. The paperwork I received afterwards had my medical information on it so it is on my driver records (as it should be since I scanned it and sent it in as required).

 

When they first started this self certify thing I was told you didn't have to carry the card anymore since it was now databased and part of your driving record but I've had a few DOT cops say I still had to carry it. Not sure what the law is but carrying it is still the wise choice. I keep a scanned copy of it in my permit book for the truck.

 

Just a reminder here. Lets make sure to keep CDL and NON CDL separate. There are a lot of truck drivers out there that operate with NON CDLs in INTERstate commerce with commercial vehicles. These same vehicles also get stopped and inspected by the DOT. These drivers I would suggest you have that card on your person while driving. The HOS rules also apply. It is ONLY the CDL holders that have their medicals tied to the license.

These forums are visited by both types of truckers.

 

Last several inspections I've had, I offered it with my CDL (since I carry it behind the license in my wallet, anyway) and the officers say "I don't need that. It'll come up when I run your CDL."

I still carry it, though. If you go to work for a different carrier, they'll need a copy. I know where it is if it's in my wallet...otherwise, you have to remember where you filed it away for safe keeping. Also, if you have it with you, you can check to see when it'll expire whenever you happen to be curious, rather than trying to remember to check the date next time you're wherever you have it filed away.

You don't HAVE to carry it with you anymore...but it's still a good idea.

 

I still carry mine in my wallet like I have for years. I would feel wrong if it wasn’t there......

 

No long form unless going to Canada I believe. Medical card depends on your state. When the cop runs your liscence, your medical will show.

 

I don't think even this is true today. the US and Canada have a reciprocal agreement that covers this. I think a US driver in Canada once that CDL is run will have the medical show up. However as has been stated in here several times already. I would have that card.

 

From DOT's FAQ...
Do drivers need to carry the medical certification when driving a CMV?

Do drivers need to carry the medical certification when driving a CMV?
As of January 30, 2015, Class A, B, or C commercial drivers which certify as “non-exempted interstate” drivers are no longer required to carry their Medical Examiner Certificate in their possession.