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ELD Brochure - English Version

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Choosing an ELD

Motor carriers and drivers must choose only ELDs that are self-certified and registered on FMCSA’s website. Manufacturers must self-certify that their ELDs meet technical standards in the ELD rule and they must register them with FMCSA. View the list of self-certified ELDs on FMCSA’s website: https://3pdp.fmcsa.dot.gov/ELD/ELDList.aspx

Why FMCSA Implemented the ELD Rule

The rule is intended to help create a safer work environment for drivers, and make it easier and faster to accurately track, manage, and share RODS data. As part of the MAP-21 Act, Congress required adoption of the ELD rule.

About ELDs

The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Rule applies to most motor carriers and drivers who are required to keep records of duty status (RODS). This includes commercial buses as well as trucks. It applies to drivers domiciled in Canada and Mexico, unless they qualify for an exception to the rule.

An ELD is technology that automatically records a driver’s driving time and other hours-of-service (HOS) data. This allows easier, more accurate HOS recordkeeping. An ELD monitors a vehicle’s engine to capture data on whether the engine is running, whether the vehicle is moving, miles driven, and duration of engine operation (engine hours). During the first phase of the ELD rule, law enforcement can review a driver’s hours of service by viewing the ELD’s display screen or from an ELD printout.

ELD Rule Implementation

All carriers and drivers subject to the ELD rule must use either an ELD or an AOBRD (automatic on-board recording devices compliant with existing regulations) by December 18, 2017. AOBRDs 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. ELDs must have the capability of either telematic data transfer or local transfer.

Exceptions to the ELD Rule

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.

12/16/2015 ELD Final Rule Published

12/18/2017 ELD Final Rule Compliance Date

12/16/2019 Mandatory Use of ELDs

DOT is committed to ensuring that information is available in appropriate alternative formats to meet the requirements of persons who have a disability. If you require an alternative version of files provided on this page, please contact latonya.mimms@dot.gov.
Last updated: Tuesday, October 31, 2017