ELD Compliance Guide for Owner-Operators

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are mandatory for most commercial drivers. Understanding the rules helps you stay compliant and avoid costly violations.

Who Must Use an ELD?

Most commercial motor vehicle drivers who are required to keep Records of Duty Status (RODS) must use an ELD. This generally includes drivers of vehicles that are:

• Used in interstate commerce
• Weigh more than 10,000 lbs (including GCWR)
• Transport hazardous materials requiring placards
• Transport 9+ passengers for compensation

ELD Exemptions

You may be exempt if you:

• Drive vehicles manufactured before model year 2000
• Operate under the short-haul exemption (100/150 air-mile radius)
• Drive-away/tow-away operations
• Keep RODS for 8 days or fewer in a 30-day period

Even if exempt, you may still need paper logs or time records.

Choosing an ELD

Your ELD must be registered on FMCSA's approved list. Consider:

• Cost: Device price plus monthly subscription
• Ease of use: Interface should be intuitive
• Reliability: Check reviews for connection/malfunction issues
• Support: Quality customer service matters
• Features: Some offer GPS, IFTA tracking, diagnostics
• Transfer method: How you'll send logs to inspectors

Daily Requirements

What the ELD Records Automatically

• Date and time of duty status changes
• Location (via GPS)
• Engine hours
• Vehicle miles
• Driver identification

What You Must Enter

• Annotations/notes explaining edits
• Trailer numbers
• Shipping document numbers
• Personal conveyance or yard moves (if applicable)

Status Changes

ELDs track four duty statuses:

• Off Duty: Not working, personal time
• Sleeper Berth: Resting in sleeper (counts toward required rest)
• Driving: Operating the vehicle
• On Duty (Not Driving): Working but not driving (loading, fueling, inspections)

You must change status promptly when your activity changes.

Editing Logs

You can edit ELD records, but:

• Original record is preserved
• You must add an annotation explaining the edit
• Edits are visible to inspectors
• Excessive edits raise red flags

Legitimate reasons to edit: wrong status selected, late check-in/out, technical malfunction.

Malfunctions and Data Diagnostics

If your ELD malfunctions:

1. Note the malfunction on the ELD or in a note
2. Reconstruct logs on paper or electronic backup
3. Continue keeping paper logs until fixed
4. Report to carrier/yourself within 24 hours
5. Repair/replace within 8 days

Roadside Inspections

Be prepared to present logs during inspections:

• Know how to display logs on screen
• Know how to transfer data (Bluetooth, email, USB)
• Keep current 7-day records available
• Carry backup paper logs if ELD fails

Common Violations

• No ELD: Operating without required device
• Not using ELD: Device present but not used properly
• False logs: Intentionally inaccurate records (serious)
• Form and manner: Missing information, unsigned logs
• HOS violations: Exceeding driving/on-duty limits

Violations affect your CSA score and can result in fines or out-of-service orders.

Personal Conveyance

Moving your truck for personal reasons (not for business) can be logged as off-duty:

• Must be unladen (no freight)
• Used for personal transportation
• No unreasonable distance
• Document as "personal conveyance" in notes

Don't abuse this—it's for genuine personal use, not extending drive time.

Yard Moves

Moving equipment within a yard or facility:

• Can be logged as on-duty not driving
• Must be within defined property boundaries
• Use yard move function if your ELD has it

Summary

ELD compliance isn't optional. Choose a reliable device, learn to use it properly, keep accurate records, and know how to handle malfunctions and inspections. Compliance protects your authority and your livelihood.

The rules may feel restrictive, but they're the reality of professional trucking.