ELD Mandate Basics for New Motor Carriers

The ELD mandate requires most commercial drivers subject to Hours of Service regulations to use a registered Electronic Logging Device to record their duty status. For new motor carriers, compliance is not optional — an ELD must be installed and functioning before you haul your first load.

Who Is Required to Use an ELD

The ELD mandate applies to commercial drivers who are currently required to maintain records of duty status (RODS) under the HOS regulations. This covers most interstate commercial drivers operating CMVs subject to the HOS rules.

Who is generally required to use an ELD:

• Interstate CDL drivers operating CMVs in property-carrying operations not covered by an exemption
• Motor carriers subject to 49 CFR Part 395

Who may be exempt:

• Drivers using the short-haul exemption (150 air-mile radius, return within 14 hours, qualify under specific 49 CFR 395.1 criteria)
• Drivers in driveaway-towaway operations where the vehicle being transported is a commodity
• Drivers of vehicles manufactured before model year 2000

If you’re unsure whether an exemption applies to your specific operation, verify at fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/hours-service-exemptions. Don’t assume an exemption applies without confirming it.

What a Registered ELD Must Do

FMCSA sets technical standards for ELDs, and manufacturers self-certify compliance. The FMCSA list at eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/List contains all currently registered devices.

A registered ELD must:

• Automatically record drive time when the vehicle is moving
• Allow the driver to manually enter duty status changes (on-duty, off-duty, sleeper berth)
• Record location at each duty status change and periodically during driving
• Be synchronized with engine data (the device connects to the vehicle’s ECM)
• Display and generate hours-of-service information on demand
• Transfer data to enforcement officials wirelessly or via USB/Bluetooth/email

What an ELD cannot do is be edited without documentation. Every edit to a duty status is logged and visible to inspectors.

Choosing an ELD

With hundreds of devices on the registered list, selection comes down to:

Subscription cost: Most ELDs have a monthly or annual subscription fee. For a single truck, this typically ranges from $30–$80/month depending on features. Confirm what’s included — some providers charge separately for IFTA reporting, GPS tracking, or additional driver logins.

Hardware: Some devices are tablets with a vehicle connection; others are small, permanently mounted units with a separate driver display. Consider how you’ll use the device practically — screen size, connectivity, and ease of driver annotation matter on a long shift.

IFTA reporting: If the ELD tracks mileage by state and can export a mileage report per jurisdiction, it significantly simplifies your quarterly IFTA filing. Confirm this feature is included.

Support quality: When you have a malfunction at 2 a.m. before a delivery appointment, you need a support line that actually answers. Ask about support hours and response time before committing.

Data transfer for inspections: FMCSA requires that ELD data can be transmitted to enforcement officials. The standard methods are Bluetooth, USB, email, or wireless web. Confirm your device supports FMCSA’s current transfer specifications.

Check the registered list at eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/List before purchasing. Any device not on the list cannot be used for compliance, regardless of what the manufacturer claims.

Required Documents in the Cab

Beyond the ELD itself, you must carry:

• ELD instruction sheet — FMCSA requires a brief instruction sheet for the device (for enforcement personnel who aren’t familiar with your specific model). Your ELD provider supplies this.
• Malfunction documentation procedure — What to do if the device malfunctions. Most providers include this in the instruction materials.
• Paper log sheets — For backup during an ELD malfunction (up to 8 days of paper logs required as backup supply).

At a Roadside Inspection

When an enforcement officer asks for your logs:

1. Display the current 24-hour log and the previous 7 days on the ELD screen
2. Transfer data to the officer using the method they request (most use Bluetooth or USB)
3. If transfer fails, display the data on screen for manual review

Officers are familiar with common ELD models. If there’s a legitimate ELD malfunction, show your paper backup logs and your documented malfunction notice.

ELD Malfunctions

If your ELD malfunctions:

1. Note the malfunction in writing (what the malfunction is, when it occurred)
2. Notify your motor carrier (or note it in the vehicle inspection report if you’re the carrier)
3. Switch to paper logs immediately
4. Have the ELD repaired or replaced within 8 days
5. Retain all paper logs from the malfunction period

Operating on paper logs after a malfunction is compliant if done correctly. Operating on paper logs without a documented reason — or for more than 8 days — is a violation.

See ELD Setup for New Carriers for a full guide on ELD selection, installation, and day-one setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any ELD, or does it have to be from a specific list?

Only ELDs that appear on the FMCSA's registered device list (eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/List) may be used for compliance. Devices self-certify by meeting FMCSA technical specifications, and the list is maintained by FMCSA. Using an unregistered device is a violation even if it records hours.

Are there any exemptions from the ELD mandate?

Yes. Short-haul drivers operating within a 150 air-mile radius who return to the home terminal within 14 hours may be exempt. Drivers operating vehicles manufactured before model year 2000 may be exempt. Drivers operating under certain driveaway-towaway operations may qualify. Verify current exemptions at fmcsa.dot.gov — the mandate has specific and technical requirements.

What happens if my ELD breaks during a trip?

A malfunctioning ELD triggers specific procedures. You must note the malfunction, switch to paper logs for up to 8 days, have the ELD repaired or replaced within 8 days, and notify your motor carrier immediately. Inspectors expect to see proper malfunction documentation — operating on paper logs without documented malfunction reason is a violation.