Q1. What are the key requirements of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) rule?
A1. The ELD rule:
- Requires ELD use by commercial drivers who are required to prepare hours-of-service (HOS) records of duty status (RODS).
- Sets ELD performance and design standards, and requires ELDs to be certified and registered with FMCSA.
- Establishes what supporting documents drivers and carriers are required to keep.
- Prohibits harassment of drivers based on ELD data or connected technology (such as fleet management system). The rule also provides recourse for drivers who believe they have been harassed.
Q2. What is the mandate in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) for the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) rule?
A2. Section 32301(b) of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act, enacted as part of MAP-21, (Pub. L. 112-141, 126 Stat. 405, 786-788, July 6, 2012), mandates the ELD rule. It calls for the Secretary of Transportation to adopt regulations requiring ELD use in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) involved in interstate commerce, when operated by drivers who are required to keep records of duty status (RODS).
Q3. Who must comply with the electronic logging device (ELD) rule?
A3. The ELD applies to most motor carriers and drivers who are currently required to maintain records of duty status (RODS) per Part 395, 49 CFR 395.8(a). The rule applies to commercial buses as well as trucks, and to Canada- and Mexico-domiciled drivers.
The ELD rule allows limited exceptions to the ELD mandate, including:
- Drivers who operate under the short-haul exceptions may continue using timecards; they are not required to keep RODS and will not be required to use ELDs.
- Drivers who use paper RODS for not more than 8 days out of every 30-day period.
- Drivers who conduct drive-away-tow-away operations, in which the vehicle being driven is the commodity being delivered.
- Drivers of vehicles manufactured before 2000.
Q4.What electronic logging device (ELD) user documentation must be onboard a driver’s commercial motor vehicle?
A4. Beginning on December 18, 2017, a driver using an ELD must have an ELD information packet onboard the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) containing the following items:
- A user’s manual for the driver describing how to operate the ELD;
- An instruction sheet describing the data transfer mechanisms supported by the ELD and step-by-step instructions to produce and transfer the driver’s hours-of-service records to an authorized safety official;
- An instruction sheet for the driver describing ELD malfunction reporting requirements and recordkeeping procedures during ELD malfunctions; and
- A supply of blank driver’s records of duty status (RODS) graph-grids sufficient to record the driver’s duty status and other related information for a minimum of 8 days.Prior to December 18, 2017, FMCSA recommends that drivers have the user’s manual, malfunction instruction sheet, and graph-grids.
Q5.Can the ELD information packet be in electronic form?
A5. Yes. The user’s manual, instruction sheet, and malfunction instruction sheet can be in electronic form. This is in accordance with the federal register titled “Regulatory Guidance Concerning Electronic Signatures and Documents” (76 FR 411).
Q6.Can an electronic logging device (ELD) be on a smartphone or other wireless device?
A6. Yes. An ELD can be on a smartphone or other wireless device if the device meets the ELD rule’s technical specifications.
Q7.Can a driver use a portable electronic logging device (ELD)?
A7. Yes. A driver may use a portable ELD. A portable ELD must be mounted in a fixed position during commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operation (CMV) and visible to the driver from a normal seated driving position. This information can be found in the ELD Rule section 395.22(g).
Q8.How long must a motor carrier retain electronic logging device (ELD) record of duty status (RODS) data?
A8. A motor carrier must retain ELD record of duty status (RODS) data and back-up data for six months.The back-up copy of ELD records must be maintained on a device separate from that where original data are stored. Additionally, a motor carrier must retain a driver’s ELD records in a manner that protects driver privacy.
Q9.What electronically transferred data from electronic logging devices (ELDs) will be retained by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and other authorized safety officials?
A9. FMCSA will not retain any ELD data unless there is a violation.
Q10.What is the carrier’s responsibility in ensuring that they are using a registered device?
A10. The motor carrier is responsible for checking that their device is registered. This includes checking both the registration and revocation list periodically. The list of registered and revoked ELDs can be found on the following link: https://3pdp.fmcsa.dot.gov/ELD/ELDList.aspx.
In the event that an ELD is removed from the registration list, FMCSA will make efforts to notify the public and affected users. Motor carriers and drivers are encouraged to sign-up for ELD updates to receive notifications on when an ELD has been listed on the Revocation List.
Q11.How will the ELD display screen or printout reflect special driving categories; yard moves and personal conveyance?
A11. While not required, if the motor carrier configured the driver user account to authorize a special driving category, then the graph-grid will overlay periods using a different style line (such as dashed, dotted line, or shading) in accordance with section 4.8.1.3(c)(1) of the ELD Functional Specifications. The appropriate abbreviation must also be indicated on the graph-grid.
If the motor carrier does not configure the driver user account to authorize special driving categories, then the driver must annotate the beginning and end of the applicable special driving category.
Q12.If the vehicle registration for a commercial motor vehicle reflects a model year of 2000 or newer, but the vehicle was manufactured without an engine control module (ECM), is the carrier required to comply with the ELD rule?
A12. Yes, a motor carrier operating a vehicle with a manufactured model year of 2000 and newer and without an ECM is subject to the ELD rule. If the currently installed engine does not support an ECM and is unable to obtain or estimate the required vehicle parameters, then the operator must use an ELD that does not rely on ECM connectivity, but nevertheless meets the accuracy requirements of the final rule. See Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 395 sections 4.2 and 4.3.1 of the ELD rule for accuracy requirements.
Q13.How are motor carriers required to present records of duty status (RODS) from December 11-17, 2017? Will drivers be required to present their records of duty status on electronic logging devices (ELDs)?
A13. No, drivers will not be required to present RODS on ELDs from December 11, 2017, to December 17, 2017. Drivers can present their previous 7 days of RODS through any of the following:
- Paper records,
- A printout from an electronic logging device,
- A display from a device installed with logging software and electronic signature capabilities,
- Having the records available by entering them into an ELD, or
- Continued use of a grandfathered automatic on-board recording device.
Q14.How must a driver reflect their record of duty status for the previous 7 days during a roadside inspection, if he or she is employed by multiple motor carriers that are using ELDs?
A14. The driver can either, (1) print out their hours-of-service from the other motor carrier, (2) if operating with compatible devices the ELD data can be transferred between the motor carriers with the driver’s approval, or (3) manually add the hours of service while operating for that motor carrier into the current ELD using the editing and annotation functions of the ELD.
Q15.How must a driver who is starting to work for a new motor carrier present their prior 7 days’ records of duty status to the new carrier?
A15. Section 395.8(j)(2) provides that “(2) Motor carriers, when using a driver for the first time or intermittently, shall obtain from the driver a signed statement giving the total time on duty during the immediately preceding 7 days and the time at which the driver was last relieved from duty prior to beginning work for the motor carriers.” In the alternative, the driver may present copies of the prior 7 days’ records of duty status or a print-out of the prior 7 days from the prior carrier’s ELD system.
Last updated: Monday, April 9, 2018
FAQs
What is the ELD rule? ›
The ELD rule: Requires ELD use by commercial drivers who are required to prepare hours-of-service (HOS) records of duty status (RODS). Sets ELD performance and design standards, and requires ELDs to be certified and registered with FMCSA. Establishes what supporting documents drivers and carriers are required to keep.
What is the purpose of ELD? ›English language development (ELD) means instruction designed specifically for English language learners to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. This type of instruction is also known as: English as a second language (ESL) English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
What information does an ELD record? ›An ELD automatically records the following data elements at certain intervals: date; time; location information; engine hours; vehicle miles; and identification information for the driver, authenticated user, vehicle, and motor carrier.
Which of the following is an exception to the ELD rule? ›ELD Rule Exceptions
Driveaway-towaway drivers (were the vehicle driven is the commodity) or the vehicle being transported is a motor home or a recreation vehicle trailer (at least one set of wheels of the vehicle being transported must be on the surface while being transported)
A: An ELD must be able to either: • Transmit data using wireless Web services and email, or • Transfer data locally using a thumb or flash drive (USB2. 0) and Bluetooth®. A driver must also be able to provide either the display or a printout to an authorized safety official on request.
When did the ELD rule start? ›When did ELDs become mandatory? The idea of the ELD mandate actually began in 2012. In March 2014, the FMCSA released its ELD proposal, and on December 16, 2015, the final ELD rule was published by the FMCSA.
What are the 4 components of ELD? ›- WIDA ELD Standards Statements.
- Key Language Uses.
- Language Expectations.
- Proficiency Level Descriptors.
The CA ELD Standards define three proficiency levels—Emerging, Expanding, and Bridging*—to describe the stages of English language development through which ELs are expected to progress as they improve their abilities in listening, speaking, reading, and writing English.
What does ELD mean in education? ›The English language development (ELD) standards, ELD video series, information, and resources to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) design, implement, and enhance integrated and designated ELD instruction for English learner students.
What are the most commonly cited ELD violations? ›The most common type of ELD violation is not using FMCSA certified ELDs in the vehicles. Fleet owners or truckers may install cheap ELDs to avoid the upfront costs of upgraded devices and find out later that those are not even in compliance with the FMCSA regulations.
What information needs to be included in a logbook? ›
Common details to record in your log book include the distance you drive, the date and time of driving, and the destination and purpose of your journeys.
Is any driving time automatically recorded by an ELD? ›An ELD automatically records all the time that a CMV is in motion as driving time and that cannot be edited or changed to non-driving time.
Is ELD required for intrastate? ›Is an ELD required for intrastate? Today, most intrastate drivers of commercial vehicles are required to use an ELD. While the ELD mandate by the FMCSA is a federal mandate, all states — except for California — have already adopted their own intrastate ELD mandates.
Can truckers still use paper logs? ›Paper records were the norm to keep records of driver's hours of service for a long time (and still have their uses), but electronic logging devices are the standard since the ELD mandate came into effect. A paper log book is one registered manually on a paper template by the driver.
Do owner operators have to use ELD? ›ELD compliance for owner-operators
Now that the ELD mandate is being enforced fully (although there are many ELD exemptions), all owner-operators who meet the requirements must have ELD devices and software to be compliant as opposed to paper log books.
Commercial drivers must use an ELD if their vehicle meets any one of the following classifications: Weighs 10,001 pounds or more. Is used to transport more than 15 passengers without compensation. Is used to transport more than eight passengers with compensation.
How long can you run without an ELD? ›Drivers Who Maintain RODS for 8 Days or Less
Drivers who maintain Record of Duty Status (RODS) for 8 days or fewer in a 30-day rolling period don't need an ELD. They need to maintain paper logs, but the ELD itself isn't legally required. This includes short-haul drivers who occasionally take longer trips.
Yes. The ELD mandate applies to most commercial vehicle drivers, with only a few exceptions to the ELD rule, which include: Drivers who are operating under short-haul operations are exempt for CDL and non-CDL vehicles and aren't required to keep record of duty status (RODS).
Can 2 drivers use the same ELD? ›Guidance: A motor carrier must assign only one ELD driver account for each of its drivers required to use an ELD.
How are ELD standards organized? ›The ELD Standards are organized by grade level. Although there are various components, there are two main sections common across all grade levels: sections one and two. Section one includes a goal statement, Critical Principles, and an “At a Glance” Overview of the Standards.
What are the 5 themes of the ELA ELD framework? ›
Circling the standards center in the graphic are California's five key organizing themes of the standards meant to influence instruction: meaning making, language development, effective expression, content knowledge, and foundational skills.
What are the 4 levels of instruction? ›- Modelling.
- Shared learning.
- Guided learning.
- Independent learning.
What are Key Language Uses? Key Language Uses—Narrate, Inform, Explain, and Argue—describe prominent ways that language is used in school. For example, every day students and teachers narrate, inform, explain, and argue.
What is the ELD mandate for truckers? ›The ELD mandate, also known as the electronic logbook law, is a federal law. It requires all qualifying commercial motor vehicle drivers to use their electronic logging device to record driver and vehicle activity. This includes hours of service (HOS) and records of duty status (RODS).
What kind of teacher uses targeted ELD instruction? ›Targeted instruction requires a special trained teacher capable of meeting the language needs of English learners. They teach during certain designated time during the regular hours to help English learners improve their level of language proficiency.
What are the most common logbook errors? ›The most common logbook problems are unsigned pages, incorrect totals (especially when single and multi-engine times don't match up to total time), totals not matching between separate logbooks, and strange or incriminating comments written next to entries.
How far back can dot check eld logs? ›How far back can the DOT check ELD logs? Depending on the type of document, DOT requires records to be anywhere from 12 months to three years.
What happens if ELD fails? ›Question: What steps must the driver and carrier take if an ELD malfunctions? Guidance: The driver must inform their carrier of the malfunction within 24 hours. The motor carrier has 8 days to repair, service, or replace the ELD.
What is the minimum information to be entered into an aircraft log book? ›According to FARs 91.411, 413, and 417, all aircraft records must contain the following information: A record of the maintenance, modifications, and alterations accomplished to the aircraft. The Total Time and Landings/Cycles on the aircraft and engines.
Which item must be included on a drivers daily log? ›The driver's daily log must clearly show the driving, on-duty and resting hours for the day. The log should also include: The date and the total miles driven for the day. The name of the carrier you're working for and the main office address.
Can you have ELD on phone? ›
Guidance: Yes. An ELD can be on a smartphone or other wireless device if the device meets the ELD rule's technical specifications. If the device is a portable it must be mounted in a fixed position during commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operation and visible to the driver from a normal seated driving position.
What is the maximum time a driver has to deliver a daily log to the employer under Alberta's hours-of-service legislation? ›The 14-Hour On-duty in a "Day” Limit
During the 24-hour period "day,” a driver cannot drive after having been on-duty more than 14 hours.
The ELD applies to most motor carriers and drivers who are currently required to maintain records of duty status (RODS) per Part 395, 49 CFR 395.8(a). The rule applies to commercial buses as well as trucks, and to Canada- and Mexico-domiciled drivers.
How many hours can a local truck driver work? ›Drivers are allowed to extend the 10-hour maximum driving time and 15-hour on-duty limit by up to 2 hours when adverse driving conditions are encountered.
How many hours between driving shifts? ›The break can be divided into two periods – the first at least 15 minutes long and the second at least 30 minutes – taken over the 4.5 hours. Daily rest Minimum of 11 hours, which can be reduced to a minimum of 9 hours no more than three times between weekly rests.
Can I drive my truck without ELD? ›Penalties. As of January 1, 2023, you will face penalties if you do not meet Ontario's ELD requirements, including: fines between $250-$20,000. points on your carrier safety record that can affect your rating upon conviction.
How many days of log sheets should you have in the truck? ›Additional Rules
In Canada you have to have 14 days of log sheets in the truck.
What trucks are ELD exempt? If a commercial motor vehicle carrier has an engine manufactured on or before 2000 then the vehicle is ELD exempt. An ELD needs an engine control model (ECM) and most engines manufactured prior to 2000 do not have an ECM.
What are key requirements of the ELD rule? ›- Requires ELD use by commercial drivers who are required to prepare hours-of-service (HOS) records of duty status (RODS).
- Sets ELD performance and design standards, and requires ELDs to be certified and registered with FMCSA.
If multiple, compatible ELDs are used to record a driver's RODS within a motor carrier's operation, the ELD in the vehicle the driver is operating must be able to produce a complete ELD report for that driver, on demand, for the current 24-hour period and the previous 7 consecutive days.
How many miles can you run without ELD? ›
Once a driver operates beyond the 150 air-mile radius, the HOS regulations apply. Therefore, starting at the time and location where the transporter goes past the 150 air-mile radius, the driver must maintain logs using an ELD, unless the driver or the vehicle meets one of the limited ELD exemptions.
Can I run without ELD? ›If you're not currently required to keep RODS, you do not need to run an ELD. This includes short haul drivers, following hours-of-service rules. If you stay within a 100-air mile radius of your home termine, you do not need an ELD. You do need an ELD is you run outside of the short haul classification.
How many land miles is 150 air miles? ›Therefore, 150 air miles are actually equivalent to 172.6 statute miles.
How many miles is 100 air miles? ›Guidance: The term “air mile” is internationally defined as a “nautical mile” which is equivalent to 6,076 feet or 1,852 meters. Thus, the 100 air miles are equivalent to 115.08 statute miles or 185.2 kilometers.
What makes a truck ELD exempt? ›What trucks are ELD exempt? If a commercial motor vehicle carrier has an engine manufactured on or before 2000 then the vehicle is ELD exempt. An ELD needs an engine control model (ECM) and most engines manufactured prior to 2000 do not have an ECM.
What happens if you don't have ELD? ›If a driver is found to not have the proper ELD device for their commercial vehicle, it is possible, and likely that they will be placed out-of-service for at least 10 hours based on OOSC (Out-Of-Service criteria).
What year engine is ELD exempt? ›Generally, the model year is determined by reviewing the VIN on the vehicle registration. If the model year is pre-2000 based on the VIN, an ELD is not required.
How long can you run a paper logbook? ›Use paper logs for 8 days or less during any 30 day period. Conduct drive-away/tow-away operations where the vehicle is being delivered.
What is the easiest ELD to use? ›The Rand McNally ELD 50 is known in the market for its easy installation and user-friendly interface. It is a fist-sized device equipped with features that come in handy for fleets, especially those which do not have a complete FMS service to rely on.