NOTE: This guidance reflects minor correction(s) (e.g., for grammar, typographical errors, or consistency) made on March 23, 2022.

FMCSA-ELD-395-Q021(2022-03-10)-CORR1

Question: In section 4.4.2 of 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, Appendix A, the rule requires that “geo-location information must be derived from a database that contains all cities, towns, and villages with a population of 5,000 or greater and listed in ANSI INCITS 446–2008 (R2013).” What is an example of a database that meets these requirements? 

Guidance: USGS maintains the Federal authoritative source of official geographic feature names, known as the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). Providers can start with the Populated Places dataset, which includes towns and villages of all populations. Therefore, it meets the minimum requirements (locations with populations of 5,000 or greater and listed in ANSI INCITS 446-2008 (R2013). Providers may consider cross-referencing this dataset against another dataset to filter out cities, towns, and villages with a population of less than 5,000. To learn more about the GNIS and the Populated Places dataset, visit https://www.usgs.gov/tools/geographic-names-information-system-gnis.

Contact Info: FMCSA ELD Information, 1-800-832-5660 or ELD@dot.gov.

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Note: This guidance document does not have the force and effect of law and is not meant to bind the public in any way.  It is intended only to provide information and clarity regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.