- Drivers who must keep a record of duty status (RODS) generally have to use an electronic logging device (ELD) that meets the federal technical standard in 49 CFR Part 395, Subpart B.
- The main exemptions: short-haul drivers who don't need to keep logs, drivers who need logs on no more than 8 days in any 30-day period, driveaway-towaway operations, and vehicles with engines older than model year 2000.
- Texas requires intrastate drivers who keep logs to use an ELD or another method allowed by 49 CFR §395.8, unless an exemption applies (37 TAC §4.12).
Who must use an ELD
The federal ELD rule applies to drivers of commercial motor vehicles who are required to prepare records of duty status under 49 CFR §395.8. If the hours-of-service rules apply to you and you aren't exempt from keeping logs, you need an ELD that is registered with FMCSA.
ELD exemptions
| Exemption | What it means |
|---|---|
| Short-haul drivers | Drivers who qualify for the 150 air-mile short-haul exception in §395.1(e) don't keep logs, so they don't need an ELD. The carrier still keeps time records. |
| 8 days in 30 | Drivers who need to keep logs on no more than 8 days in any 30-day period may use paper logs. |
| Driveaway-towaway | Operations where the vehicle being driven is the commodity being delivered. |
| Older engines | Vehicles with an engine model year before 2000. |
Exempt drivers still have to follow the hours-of-service limits. The exemption is only from the method of recording.
What the ELD records
- Date, time and location at each change of duty status
- Engine hours and vehicle miles
- Driver identification, vehicle and carrier information
- Edits and annotations, which can't overwrite the original record
At a roadside inspection, the driver must be able to show the current day and the previous 7 days, either on screen or by transferring the data to the officer.
When an ELD malfunctions
The driver must note the malfunction and tell the carrier. They then reconstruct the current day and previous 7 days and keep paper logs until the device is repaired. Carriers generally have 8 days to repair or replace the device unless FMCSA grants an extension (49 CFR §395.34).
How long records are kept
Motor carriers must keep records of duty status and supporting documents for six months (§395.8(k)). After a crash, that short window is why lawyers and insurers send preservation letters early. An ELD is separate from the truck's engine control module ("black box"). See truck ECM data explained.