ELD Compliance Explained: What Truck Drivers Must Know

What is an ELD? The Digital Record of Duty Status (RODS)

The Electronic Logging Device is a hardware device that is connected directly to the engine of the vehicle to record driving time automatically. It replaces the old paper logbooks and legacy AOBRDs, providing a more accurate and tamper-resistant RODS.

Who is Required to Use an ELD?

Under the FMCSA regulation, most carriers and drivers who were mandated to maintain RODS are now mandated to use ELD. This applies to:

• Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Drivers.
• Drivers of vehicles with a total actual weight of 10,001 pounds or more
• Motor vehicle drivers carrying hazardous materials needing placarding.
• Those who drive vehicles that are capable of carrying 8 or 15 persons or more.

Exceptions to the Rule: CDL holders who keep RODS records for 8 days or less in any 30 calendar-day period, “tow-away” CDL holders, and CDL holders driving vehicles manufactured before model year 2000 are usually exempt.

Core Functions: Managing Hours of Service (HOS)

The ELD’s principal function involves tracking Hours of Service to prevent the problem of driver fatigue. It automatically records critical data points that determine your duty status, including the following:

• Engine Power Status: This signal is true when engine power is being turned either ON or OFF.
• Vehicle Movement Status: The ELD automatically changes to “Driving” when the vehicle speed exceeds 5 mph.
• Miles Driven: Obtained direct from the odometer.
• Location Information: This data was recorded every 60 minutes when the vehicle was moving and during duty status changes.

The Importance of "Unassigned Mileage

One of the biggest potential problem areas in regards to hours of service and then also to know how to properly log those miles is unassigned driving time. If the truck is moving without any driver associated to it, that will show up as "unassigned" miles on the electronic log. Drivers need to address those to ensure that their records are continuous.

Dealing with Technical Glitches: The 8-Day Rule

Even the best telematics solutions can malfunction. Understanding what happens in an ELD malfunction is vital in driving safely on the legal side of the law.

• Immediate Notification: Notification in writing to your carrier is required within 24 hours of the discovery of any malfunction.
• Paper Logs: You need to rebuild your RODS for the current day and the previous 7 days based on paper logs.
• Repair Window: This is the time allotted to the carrier to repair or replace the ELD. If this takes more than 8 days, the carrier has to request an extension from the FMCSA.
• Pro Tip: Always carry a few blank paper logs with you in the cab. Failure to produce a log, digital or paper, during an inspection is considered an automatic violation.

Roadside Inspections: How to Transfer Data

One of the most stressful experiences in ELD compliance can involve passing a roadside inspection. To successfully complete an ELD installation inspection during a roadside stop, you will have to prove that your ELD device is FMCSA-certified and compatible for ELD data transfer.

The Two Methods of Data Transfer:

• Telematics: Data transfer occurs through Web Services or Email.
• Local Transfer: The data can either be Bluetooth or USB.
• Inspection Requirements:
  • "Transfer" Button: You have to know how to push the "transfer" button to transfer data to the DOT officer.
  • Display/Printout: If unable to transfer the data, you need to be able to display your logs to the officer on the screen or by a printout.
  • The ELD Instruction Sheet: You are legally required to carry the ELD User Manual, a malfunction instruction sheet, and a guide on how to transfer the data.

Beyond Compliance: Using ELD Data for IFTA

While the ELD is designed for HOS, the information it collects-specifically the GPS location and the odometer reading-is the "gold standard" for IFTA mileage tracking. Integrating your ELD to fleet management software allows you to automate your quarterly fuel tax reporting so that miles reported for safety match miles reported for taxes. Cross-system consistency is your best defense against a safety audit.