Electronic Logging Devices record hours-of-service for truck drivers to help prevent fatigue-related crashes 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced a complete overhaul of the vetting process for Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) used by truckers, helping to ensure non-compliant devices are blocked before they ever reach FMCSA’s Registered ELD list. ELDs electronically record hours-of-service for truckers to help prevent fatigue-related crashes and ensure compliance with federal safety regulations. 

The new, more rigorous vetting process is part of a broader Department initiative to strengthen road safety for American families while cutting costs for truck drivers and carriers. Most commercial drivers are required to use ELDs under federal law, with limited exceptions for certain short-haul operations and older vehicles.  

“American families deserve to feel safe sharing a road with semi-trucks, and we want truck drivers to have the best tools to maximize those safety precautions,” said Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Derek D. Barrs. “By strengthening our review process for ELDs, we are ensuring the industry can rely on trusted equipment and that hardworking drivers are prioritizing their health and well-being, so they are best prepared to keep driving America’s economy forward.”  

Under the previous system, it was easier to register non-compliant devices or re-register devices that had been revoked, leading to repeated revocations and costly, inconvenient replacements for carriers. FMCSA’s updated process closes this loophole, giving carriers and drivers a greater peace-of-mind that the ELDs they purchase are accurate, reliable, and compliant. 

Additional Information: 

Key features of the new-and-improved ELD vetting process include: 

• Initial Review: Verification of contact information, technical specifications, and device images. 

• Fraud Detection: Cross-checking new applications against active, inactive, revoked, and in-process lists. 

• Application Categorization: 

• Category 1 – Approved: Application has met all necessary requirements for approval. 
• Category 2 – Information Requested: Application is pending further information from the applicant. 

• Category 3 – Further Review: Application requires additional internal assessment and may require additional documentation from the applicant. 

• Category 4 – Denied: Application does not meet the required standards for approval. 

For the current Registered ELD List and more information on the vetting process, please visit https://eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/List. 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) primary mission is to prevent crashes, fatalities, and injuries involving large trucks and buses. FMCSA develops safety and regulatory standards for commercial driver’s licenses; analyzes data and sponsors research; and conducts enforcement and education. FMCSA partners with nonprofit organizations, local and State governments, and other stakeholders to support innovative commercial driver training, safety inspections, and enhanced compliance and enforcement initiatives. In addition, FMCSA provides education on household goods consumer protection and conducts enforcement to protect consumers. 

###