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DOT Physical - no "pocket" card

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by sbi, Jun 26, 2023.

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  1. Jun 26, 2023 #1
    sbi

    sbi Bobtail Member

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    I just renewed my physical, the examiner only gave me the 8X11 certificate, not a pocket one, and said that we no longer need to carry it with us. Is this true?
     
    sbi, Jun 26, 2023
    sbi, Jun 26, 2023
    #1
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  3. Jun 26, 2023 #2
    Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    I think it depends on the state. Many have digital copies, but if you're in a state that doesn't you might need a paper copy too.
     
    Tb0n3, Jun 26, 2023
    Tb0n3, Jun 26, 2023
    #2
  4. Jun 26, 2023 #3
    sbi

    sbi Bobtail Member

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    Both recent physicals were done in the same state. Last year (my physical is limited to 1 year) I received a paper (8x11) form as well as the good ole' pocket one with the plastic cover. Both were hand written.
    This time it is all printed but I only received the big one.
    My question is - so if one state doesn't require me to have it but I drive in another state that does, now what?
    I don't understand, isn't there a one rule/policy across the country? If we have to carry the pocket one, why isn't it provided?
     
    sbi, Jun 26, 2023
    sbi, Jun 26, 2023
    #3
  5. Jun 26, 2023 #4
    ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Haven't needed one while holding a CDL for about a decade now. When the whole attaching the medical to your cdl came about.
    Non-cdl cmv drivers still need it though.
     
    ZVar, Jun 26, 2023
    ZVar, Jun 26, 2023
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  7. Jun 26, 2023 #5
    ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

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    That’s theoretically true....but I’ve been asked for medical card countless times since they were mated with DL
    So best to carry card or copy of long form just in case
    One less thing for LEOs to bother you about
     
    ‘Olhand, Jun 26, 2023
    ‘Olhand, Jun 26, 2023
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  8. Jun 26, 2023 #6
    PaulMinternational

    PaulMinternational Road Train Member

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    Your required to have one with you!
     
    PaulMinternational, Jun 26, 2023
    PaulMinternational, Jun 26, 2023
    #6
  9. Jun 26, 2023 #7
    buzzarddriver

    buzzarddriver Road Train Member

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    buzzarddriver, Jun 26, 2023
    buzzarddriver, Jun 26, 2023
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  10. Jun 26, 2023 #8
    Grumppy

    Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    ^^^^^^^^^^^ This is obviously the correct answer. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

    You no longer need to carry a certificate with you. However, I make a copy of the long form, file the original & take the copy with me in my paperwork folder..... just because.

    Once you get your DOT physical, you take the long form (8X10) to your DMV and they will scan it into the system which attaches it to your CDL in the system.
    When DOT checks you CDL, it automatically shows him your most current long form on file.

    Actually, my company scans & emails my long form to the DMV for me, so I dont have to spend hours at the DMV just to get it scanned in. A lot of bigger companies do this now. However, again, I still carry a copy of my long form with me in the truck.
    Just FYI, I haven't gotten a wallet card in probably 10 years.
     
    Grumppy, Jun 26, 2023
    Grumppy, Jun 26, 2023
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  11. Jun 28, 2023 #9
    tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

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    Once you give your state the copy and self-certify you don't need to carry the DOT card, but it will never hurt you to have the card available, so carry it anyway.
     
    tscottme, Jun 28, 2023
    tscottme, Jun 28, 2023
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    sbi Thanks this.
  12. Jun 28, 2023 #10
    sbi

    sbi Bobtail Member

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    Right, I have no problem with putting an 8x11 sheet in the truck, but clearly it is much more convenient to have a pocket one if you need one in case you change trucks or something. A pocket one is always with you, much easier to forget it if it is in the glove compartment or somewhere else. It's just that it is not clear if you have to carry it or not. If you are not "required" than there is no issue if you forget the big paper somewhere.
     
    sbi, Jun 28, 2023
    sbi, Jun 28, 2023
    #10
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