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

The med cards California issues will not fit in a wallet. But, it’s california so it’s no surprise.

 

Mine is bigger this time, has to be folded ends to the middle to form a card size.

 

When I was driving I always paid a bit extra if needed and got the small card. The bottom of the long form is the actual certificate, but most MEs will also fill out the card if you ask nicely!

 

NJ is the same. Not surprising either. Used to get little business card size med cards. now I have to fold it a few times to fit the wallet. I have yet to be asked to produce it once during inspections or traffic stops though

 

Gone are the days when you could pick up a blank card at the TS, make up a fake Dr., and fill it out yourself.
I think that is the main reason they started the database.

 

Been inspected probably 6 times in the last 2 years. Haven't been asked to see my medical card at all in that time frame. I still keep it in my wallet...as well as a scanned copy in a secure folder on my smartphone.

 

My last few years driving I had my long form in a PDF file in my laptop, took me about 5 minutes to print it out if asked. Only did it one time.

Edited: I also had the original in my briefcase and one reduced folded up in my wallet.