What is ELD Compliance?

What ELDs are and what they do

An ELD is a hardware device connected to a commercial vehicle's engine that automatically records driving time, engine hours, vehicle movement, miles driven, and location. This replaces paper logbooks and eliminates the ability to falsify HOS records.

• 1 Synchronizes with engine control module (ECM) to track driving automatically
• 2 Records HOS duty status (off duty, sleeper berth, driving, on duty)
• 3 Stores data for minimum 8 days on the device
• 4 Allows roadside inspection transfer via display, printout, or Bluetooth/telematics
• 5 Must meet FMCSA technical standards for certified ELDs

Who is required to use ELDs

The ELD mandate applies to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who are required to maintain records of duty status (RODS). You likely need ELDs if:

• 1 Your vehicle has a GVWR over 10,001 lbs AND crosses state lines for commerce
• 2 You transport hazardous materials requiring placards
• 3 You operate a vehicle designed to transport 9+ passengers for compensation
• 4 Your vehicle weighs over 26,001 lbs (Class 7 or 8 trucks)

Who is exempt from ELD requirements

Not all commercial drivers need ELDs. Common exemptions:

• 1 Short-haul drivers who return to the same location daily and stay within 150 air miles (use time cards instead)
• 2 Drivers using paper RODS for no more than 8 days out of every 30
• 3 Drivers of vehicles manufactured before model year 2000
• 4 Agricultural vehicles and livestock/insect transportation
• 5 Driveaway-towaway operations

Hours of service rules ELDs enforce

ELDs track compliance with FMCSA hours of service rules:

• 1 11-hour driving limit: may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive off-duty hours
• 2 14-hour window: may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 3 30-minute break: required if driving has been done for a period of 8 cumulative hours without a 30-minute break
• 4 60/70-hour limit: may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days

Choosing an ELD-compliant fleet platform

ELD functionality is built into many fleet management platforms. Platforms like Motive (formerly KeepTruckin), Samsara, Geotab, and GPS Insight offer FMCSA-registered ELD solutions as part of their fleet management suites. Ensure any ELD you select is on the FMCSA registered ELD list — not all devices claiming ELD compliance have passed the required technical certification.