The electronic logging device (ELD) rule is intended to create a safer work environment for commercial drivers and make it easier and faster to accurately track, manage, and share records of duty status (RODS) data.

No. The ELD does not necessarily require a direct physical connection to the vehicle’s engine control module (ECM). The ELD may obtain required engine data through compatible vehicle communication protocols and connections, such as J1939, OBDII, or supported wireless communication methods.

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) can make it easier for drivers and motor carriers to manage Hours of Service (HOS) records and maintain accurate driver logs. Key benefits include:

• Reducing paperwork and manual logbook errors
• Automatically recording driving time and required vehicle data
• Helping drivers monitor Hours of Service and available driving time
• Providing fleet managers with more accurate driver and vehicle information
• Simplifying recordkeeping and roadside inspections
• Supporting FMCSA compliance and more efficient fleet operations

Most commercial motor vehicle drivers who are required to maintain records of duty status (RODS) under federal Hours of Service regulations are required to use an electronic logging device (ELD). The ELD rule generally applies to drivers and motor carriers operating commercial trucks and buses in the United States, including Canada- and Mexico-domiciled drivers when operating in the U.S.

Certain drivers and operations qualify for exemptions from the ELD requirements, which are covered in the FAQs below.

The ELD rule establishes several key requirements for commercial drivers and motor carriers, including:

• Requiring ELD use for most drivers who are required to maintain Hours of Service (HOS) records of duty status (RODS)
• Establishing performance and technical standards for ELDs
• Requiring ELDs to be self-certified by the manufacturer and registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
• Establishing requirements for supporting documents that drivers and motor carriers must retain
• Providing protections against driver harassment based on ELD data or connected technology
• Establishing procedures drivers can use to report potential ELD-related harassment

Certain drivers and operations are not required to use an electronic logging device (ELD). Common ELD exceptions include:

• Short-haul drivers who meet the applicable short-haul exception and are not required to maintain records of duty status (RODS)
• Drivers who are required to keep RODS no more than 8 days during any 30-day period
• Certain driveaway-towaway operations where the vehicle being driven is the commodity being delivered, or qualifying motorhome or recreational vehicle trailer movements
• Drivers operating vehicles manufactured before model year 2000

Drivers who qualify for an ELD exception may still be subject to Hours of Service (HOS) and recordkeeping requirements depending on their operation.

The model year of a vehicle can generally be determined using the 10th character of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The 10th character is a letter or number that corresponds to the vehicle’s model year. You can also use the NHTSA VIN Decoder to look up information about your vehicle.

Yes. A driver may use an electronic logging device (ELD) on a commercial motor vehicle with a model year older than 2000. However, the ELD must comply with the ELD rule’s technical specifications. The ELD may use alternative sources to obtain or estimate the required vehicle parameters in accordance with the applicable accuracy requirements.

Generally, no. Drivers operating rented or leased commercial motor vehicles must comply with the ELD rule unless the driver or vehicle qualifies for an applicable exception. However, FMCSA provides a limited exception for certain property-carrying commercial motor vehicles rented for 8 days or less. Drivers using this exception must meet FMCSA’s documentation and recordkeeping requirements.

Yes. Canada- and Mexico-domiciled drivers operating in the United States must comply with applicable U.S. Federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, including the ELD requirements, unless they qualify for an applicable exception. Drivers who operate in multiple jurisdictions may annotate their ELD records of duty status (RODS) to identify periods of operation outside the United States.

No. A vehicle equipped with a glider kit is not automatically exempt from the ELD rule simply because its engine or other components were manufactured before 2000. If the vehicle identification number (VIN) reflects a model year of 2000 or newer, the vehicle is generally subject to the ELD requirements.

If the installed engine does not provide the required data through an engine control module (ECM), an ELD may use alternative methods to obtain or estimate the required vehicle parameters, provided the ELD meets the applicable accuracy requirements.

Yes. Drivers who qualify for an ELD exception may operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) without losing their exception. A motor carrier may configure the ELD to identify drivers who are exempt from ELD use, or the driver may use an ELD annotation to document the applicable exception.

Under FMCSA technical specifications, an ELD must support an approved method for electronically transferring a driver’s Hours of Service (HOS) data to an authorized safety official during a roadside inspection. The two transfer options are:

1. Telematics transfer: Wireless web services and email.
2. Local transfer: USB 2.0 and Bluetooth.

An ELD must also provide a way for an authorized safety official to review the required information through a display or printout when necessary.

Yes. A driver may use a portable electronic logging device (ELD). When the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is in operation, the portable ELD must be mounted in a fixed position and be visible to the driver from a normal seated driving position.

Yes. A smartphone or tablet can be used as the driver interface for an electronic logging device (ELD), but the mobile device alone does not function as the Geosavi ELD. The Geosavi system uses the PT30 ELD device connected to the vehicle to obtain required vehicle and engine data. The PT30 communicates with the Geosavi ELD app on the driver’s smartphone or tablet to record and manage Hours of Service (HOS) information.

If an ELD malfunctions, the driver must:

1. Notify the motor carrier of the malfunction in writing within 24 hours.
2. Reconstruct the required records of duty status (RODS) for the current 24-hour period and the previous 7 consecutive days, unless the records are already available or can be retrieved from the ELD.
3. Continue to manually prepare RODS until the ELD is repaired, serviced, or replaced and is back in compliance with FMCSA requirements.

No. If electronic data transfer is temporarily unavailable or fails during a roadside inspection, the ELD is not automatically considered non-compliant. The driver can still provide the required records of duty status (RODS) to the authorized safety official using the ELD’s display or a printout, as applicable.

A motor carrier must retain electronic logging device (ELD) records of duty status (RODS) and supporting documents for six months. The carrier must also maintain a backup copy of the ELD records on a separate device or system and protect the records from unauthorized access to preserve driver privacy.

FMCSA does not retain ELD data transferred during a roadside inspection unless the data is associated with a violation. If a violation is identified, the relevant ELD data may be retained as part of the enforcement record.

A driver using an electronic logging device (ELD) must have an ELD information packet onboard the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) containing:

1. A user’s manual describing how to operate the ELD.
2. An instruction sheet describing the ELD’s supported data transfer methods and how to produce and transfer Hours of Service (HOS) records to an authorized safety official.
3. An instruction sheet describing ELD malfunction reporting requirements and the procedures for maintaining records during an ELD malfunction.
4. A supply of blank records of duty status (RODS) graph grids sufficient to record the driver’s duty status and related information for at least 8 days.

The user’s manual and instruction sheets may be provided in electronic form when permitted under FMCSA requirements.

A motor carrier must establish ELD user accounts for:

1. Drivers who are required to use the ELD while operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) for the motor carrier.
2. Authorized support personnel who are permitted by the motor carrier to create and manage user accounts, configure ELD settings, and access, review, or manage drivers’ ELD records on behalf of the motor carrier.

To create an ELD user account for a driver, the motor carrier must enter the driver’s license number and the State or jurisdiction that issued the driver’s license. This information is used to establish the driver’s ELD account and verify the driver’s identity. It is not required as part of the driver’s daily process for recording duty status information.

A motor carrier may establish only one ELD driver account for each driver required to use an ELD. The ELD must not allow more than one driver account associated with the same driver’s license for a given motor carrier. Each driver must also have a unique user identification and password.

Motor carriers subject to the ELD rule should use an FMCSA-registered electronic logging device (ELD) and ensure that drivers and administrative personnel are properly trained to use the system.

Drivers should understand how to record, review, edit, annotate, and certify their records of duty status (RODS). They should also know how to display and electronically transfer ELD records to authorized safety officials during roadside inspections and what procedures to follow if the ELD malfunctions.

Motor carriers should also maintain required ELD records and supporting documents in accordance with FMCSA requirements.

Motor carriers should verify that the specific electronic logging device (ELD) they are considering appears on FMCSA’s list of registered, self-certified ELDs. Motor carriers should also periodically check FMCSA’s revoked ELD list to make sure their device remains registered.

View the FMCSA Registered ELD List

Yes. The Geosavi PT40 combines electronic logging device (ELD) functionality with CARB Clean Truck Check monitoring in a single device. The PT40 connects to the vehicle to support driver Hours of Service (HOS) compliance while also providing the vehicle data needed for CARB Clean Truck Check monitoring. This allows fleets operating in California to manage ELD and CARB monitoring through one Geosavi solution.

Learn more about the Geosavi PT40 ELD + CARB Monitoring device.