Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) Update
In December 2015, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the adoption of a Final ELD Rule to improve roadway safety by employing Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to strengthen compliance with hours of service regulations that prevent fatigue. The rule is intended to make it easier and faster to accurately track, manage, and share records of duty status (RODS) data. It applies to most carriers and drivers who are required to maintain RODS, including commercial buses and trucks, and drivers domiciled in Canada and Mexico unless they qualify for an exception.
Many drivers are equipped with Automatic On-Board Recording Devices (AOBRDs), and these may be used until December 16, 2019 if the devices were put into use before December 18, 2017. Starting December 16, 2019 all carriers and drivers subject to the rule must use ELDs.
Exceptions include:
- Drivers who use paper logs no more than 8 days during any 30-day period.
- Driveaway-towaway drivers (transporting a vehicle for sale, lease, or repair), provided the vehicle driven is part of the shipment or the vehicle being transported is a motor home or recreational vehicle trailer.
- Drivers of vehicles manufactured before model year 2000.
ELD providers/manufacturers must certify and register their ELD with the FMCSA, a process which includes self-certification that the ELD meets technical specifications of the ELD rule and is compliant. Prior to purchasing an ELD, motor carriers and drivers should confirm with the ELD provider/manufacturer that the device is certified and registered with FMCSA by visiting the FMCSA’s list of certified and registered ELDs. Remember that the final rule requires that an ELD be integrally synchronized with the vehicle’s engine to monitor operation and automatically capture engine power status (on or off), vehicle motion, miles driven, and engine hours.
Don’t wait until November and think you will be able to transition in time for the deadline. If you haven’t started identifying options, start now so that you have adequate time to select your preferred vendor, get it installed, provide training and ensure a relatively smooth transition process.
