Risk & Safety

DOT Compliance: ELD Mandate

Ella Baker
DOT Compliance_ELD Mandate
Reading time 4 Mins
Published on Jul 20
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Making monitoring and safety a priority for all drivers and carriers

The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) rule was put into place in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act. The rule called for the adoption of regulations that require ELD use in commercial motor vehicles involved in interstate commerce when operated by drivers who are required to keep records of duty status (RODS). Additionally, the mandate sets the ELD performance and design standards and requires that all ELDs be certified and registered with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), establishes the supporting documents that drivers and carriers must keep, and prohibits harassment of drivers based on ELD data or connected technology while providing recourse for drivers who have subject to harassment. To learn more about how the ELD mandate affects you, your drivers, and your vendors, please read on.

Electronic logging devices in action

The ELD rule is intended to create safer working environments for drivers, while making it easier to accurately track, manage, and share RODS data. The ELD pairs with the vehicle’s engine to automatically record driving time for easier hours of service recording.

Drivers and carriers

The ELD rule applies to most motor drivers and carriers required to maintain records of duty status, including commercial buses and trucks. The rule includes drivers and carriers in Mexico and Canada unless they qualify for an exception.

In addition to selecting and evaluating ELDS, carriers must install them and ensure that drivers and administrative staff are trained to use them by the applicable deadline. Drivers are required to understand and be able to accurately use the ELD, including annotating and editing RODS, certifying RODS, and collecting all required documentation. Drivers also need to be able to display and transfer data to safety officials when requested.

Exceptions to the ELD rule include:

  • Driveaway-towaway drivers;
  • Drivers who use paper logs no more than 8 days during any 30-day period; and
  • Drivers of vehicles manufactured before model year 2000.

ELD manufacturers

ELD manufacturers are responsible for registering their product and self-certifying that they meet the technical specification of the ELD rule. If a manufacturer has an existing automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD) that can be updated to meet the ELD requirements, they may notify carriers. To be included on FMCSA’s list of compliant ELDs, manufacturer’s must:

  • Conform to the technical specifications;
  • Be self-certified as compliant by the provider; and
  • Be registered with FMCSA.

Enforcement partners

Designed to make HOS compliance and enforcement easier, the ELD rule requires enforcement partners to understand who must comply with and who is exempt from the ELD rule; permitted HOS recording methods during each phase of implementation; and specific processes for displaying and transferring data.

Phase 2 of the ELD rule, the Phase-In Compliance Phase runs between December 18, 2017 and December 16, 2019. During this phase, carriers and drivers subject to the rule can use AOBRDS that were installed prior to December 18, 2017 and certified, registered ELDs. Information technology software tools have been made available to securely transmit ELD data to FMCSA officials and law enforcement for compliance and enforcement purposes. The rules’ requirements for supporting documentation for drivers and motor carriers are also in place during this phase. Phase 3 will go into effect after December 16, 2019 with all drivers and carriers subject to the rule required to have self-certified, registered ELDs that comply with requirements of the ELD regulations.

FCMSA will provide webinars and classroom training for all enforcement partners during each phase. Enforcement partners are encouraged to take the appropriate actions during inspections or stops during each phase of the implementation of the ELD rule, including:
• Identify which HOS recording method the driver is using.
• Verify that the HOS recording method is authorized during the specific ELD implementation phase.
• Ensure that you understand what data displays are appropriate for each HOS recording method.

ELD Compliance and Sheakley

Sheakley’s workforce management services provides complete safety resources for your company. By helping you select or review your chosen ELD device, conducting mock FMSCA audits, offering driver qualification file management, DOT drug and alcohol program management, maintaining driver scorecards and reporting, and conducting on-site DOT training and webinars, Sheakley can help keep your company and drivers compliant.

Reserve your free consultation with a Sheakley safety professional today. Stay up-to-date on all things Sheakley by subscribing to our blog and following us on social media. Join in the discussion by commenting below.


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