Know if you are subject to the ELD Rule

Now: prepare for the transition

The ELD Rule applies to most motor carriers and drivers who are currently required to maintain records of duty status (RODS). Learn more and see exemptions at: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/drivers-and-carriers

If you are exempt from using ELDS, keep proper documentation to support your exemption

Understand when you must use an ELD in your vehicle

Before Dec. 18, 2017: drivers can use ELDs voluntarily (or as required by operators) – or continue using paper logs, devices installed with logging software and applications, or AOBRDs

Dec. 18, 2017 – Dec. 16, 2019, drivers must use ELDs unless they use AOBRDs installed before Dec. 18, 2017

After Dec. 16, 2019 – all drivers must use ELDs

Get more details on ELD Rule implementation at: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/implementation-timeline

Understand how you are protected from harassment and coercion, and how to file a complaint

All drivers are already protected from coercion, and harassment protection takes effect as soon as you begin using an ELD

It is harassment if a carrier uses ELD data, or information available through connected technology, to pressure a driver to do something that the carrier knew, or should have known, would result in an HOS violation or to drive when ill or fatigued. Learn more at: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/harassment-protection

Coercion is not limited to using ELD data to pressure a driver; it can also involve actions by carriers, shippers, brokers, and others. Learn more at: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/coercion

A driver must report harassment or coercion within 90 days to the National Consumer Complaint Database at http://nccdb.fmcsa.dot/gov or with the FMCSA Division Administrator for the State where the driver is employed (http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/field-offices)

Learn to use your ELD

Complete user training provided by your company and/or the ELD vendor

Read the ELD user’s guide and other documents

Prior to beginning to use an ELD, and in compliance with the implementation deadline that applies to you

Know how to:

• Log in
• Respond to unassigned driving hours the ELD records
• Record duty status changes
• Edit records
• Add notes to records to explain any edits or additions
• Certify records – to indicate that they are complete and accurate
• Access RODS data from the ELD
• Review and understand the ELD printout/display information
• Transfer ELD data by email or Blue Tooth to inspectors or law enforcement
• Identify and correct or report data diagnostic issues
• Report ELD malfunctions

Get an overview of ELD operations at: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/using-elds

There is additional information in the ELD FAQs: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/faqs

Keep ELD user instructions/manual and supplies in your vehicle

If you use ELDs before Dec. 18, 2017, keeping user instructions in the vehicle is recommended

Documentation is mandatory beginning Dec. 18, 2017

Mandatory Items are:

• ELD User’s Manual
• Instruction sheet for transferring HOS records to safety officials
• Instruction sheet on reporting ELD malfunctions & recordkeeping procedures during ELD malfunctions
• A supply of paper tracking forms (grid graphs) for at least 8 days, in case of ELD malfunction

Submit supporting documents

Continuous 

Submit all supporting documents generated during a regular course of business to the carrier within 13 days of the document(s) being generated

Get more information at: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/eld-supporting-documents-phase-2