ELD Compliance FAQs

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) were introduced to the commercial fleet industry to reduce errors in data collection and increase accountability. Starting June 21, 2021, certain businesses will be required to follow ELD compliance standards. 

We’ve got answers to all your ELD-related questions below.

An ELD is a piece of hardware installed in the engine of a commercial truck or motor vehicle, that automatically records real-time operation and activity data, including:

• Driver log on/log off
• Driver duty status changes
• Hours of service (HOS)
• Identification of driver or user, vehicle and carrier
• Miles traveled
• Engine diagnostics
• Engine hours
• Vehicle motion status

Whereas manual paper logs were traditionally used to log trips, ELDs automate the process of gathering data about your drivers and vehicles. Drivers can more quickly and easily input necessary information — reducing their time spent on administrative work. 

When it benefits your drivers, it also benefits you. ELD systems eliminate the need for handling, organizing and storing stacks of paper. Recording and recalling specific data is simple using the device and saves you hours a week.  

In the event a driver is pulled over by law enforcement, they may be requested to present data from the last week as part of a roadside inspection — a process that takes far less time when the driver can pull up the information fast via the ELD.  

Finally, because processes are automated and work on the part of drivers and managers is minimal, ELDs ultimately lower the chance for mistakes. 

In addition to being helpful for easily gathering and archiving fleet information you wouldn’t have otherwise, ELDs are now required under law. 

The US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for ensuring safe driving in commercial trucking, including oversight of vehicle safety and driver. Years ago, it determined that using physical forms and books for logging data were not just inconvenient and time-consuming for managers and their drivers, but also susceptible to error. 

In 2015, the FMCSA published the first ELD mandate, requiring commercial fleet companies to replace paper logbooks with certified electronic logging devices to record HOS. Stricter rules were introduced in April of 2018 to enhance fleet accountability and reduce the number of road accidents involving commercial vehicles that occur every year. 

To follow compliance requirements, commercial fleets that meet the criteria set by the mandate must:

• Have ELD recording devices
• Self-certify their ELD devices daily
• Ensure drivers use the devices properly
• Transfer accurate data upon request by a security official

Finally, because processes are automated and work on the part of drivers and managers is minimal, ELDs ultimately lower the chance for mistakes. 

In addition to being helpful for easily gathering and archiving fleet information you wouldn’t have otherwise, ELDs are now required under law. 

Violations to FMCSA’s ELD mandate include:

• Failing to register an ELD with the FMCSA
• Failing to record duty status
• Using improper methods to record HOS
• Placing the ELD so it’s not visible from outside the vehicle

If you fail to meet ELD-compliance regulations, it can impact you in a number of ways. 

Violating the FMCSA regulations can result in hefty penalties and fines. Depending on the specific violation, fees can fall anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000 — the average fine on record is currently $2,867.

The Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program monitors driver and vehicle information to improve fleet safety. Various factors impact a fleet’s CSA score, and as soon as ELD compliance begins, any misstep will take a hit on your score. The FMCSA uses a business’s CSA score to identify whether it’s high risk or requires intervention. A low score will also likely result in more roadside inspections. 

If a driver is pulled over without the appropriate ELD they might be placed out of service for at least 10 hours, which stops them from working and can affect revenue. This most commonly occurs when a driver is using an uncertified device or provides false reporting.

Ensure the Electronic Logging Device you select for your business is not only compliant, but also has the features and capabilities you need to operate as efficiently as possible. For convenience, the FMCSA offers ELD checklists for both drivers and carriers.

In addition to ELDs, other solutions are available to help fleet managers monitor drivers and run their businesses smarter. GPS dash camera systems from FleetOptix can be integrated with any ELD-compliant device to track driving behaviors and road events and increase CSA scores. 

Contact us today to learn more about our fleet tracking cameras or request a free demo.