What is the ELD Mandate?

Also known as the ELD Final Rule, the ELD Mandate was instituted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in December 2015 and requires commercial motor vehicle drivers to track their Record of Duty Status electronically, using compliant ELDs versus paper logbooks.

What is an Electronic Logging Device (ELD)?

An Electronic Logging Device, or ELD for short, is a device designed to automatically record a driver’s driving time and other aspects relating to Hours of Service (HOS) compliance. The device does this by monitoring a vehicle’s engine and traveling time.

How is an ELD different to an AOBRD (Automatic On Board Recording Device)?

While an Automatic On Board Recording Device (AOBRD) also records the amount of time a vehicle is being driven, an ELD must be certified and registered with the FMCSA. Each ELD model will have a unique registration number that can be found on its display or printout.

What are the benefits of ELDs?

Most notably, ELDs allow for the recording of more accurate driving hours. They also negate the need for manual paper log entries, which can result in unintentional Hours of Service (HOS) violations. By improving compliance with HOS rules, drivers have more time to rest and are more likely to operate their vehicles in a safe and efficient way. Furthermore, accurate HOS records can boost fleet efficiency and utilization, as they facilitate streamlined business operations like effective dispatching.

When does the ELD Mandate come into effect?

The ELD Mandate was published in December 2015, and started coming into effect in February 2016 with the rolling out of Phase 1, being the early adoption of ELDs.

What’s the final deadline to comply with the ELD Mandate?

By 16 December 2019, all commercial motor vehicles must have a certified, registered ELD installed that complies with the ELD Mandate.

Does the ELD Mandate apply to me?

If your drivers operate commercial motor vehicles or CMVs, and are currently required to track their Record of Duty Status for Hours of Service (HOS) compliance, then yes.

What is classified as a commercial motor vehicle, or CMV?

CMVs are classified as vehicles that are used for business purposes or interstate commerce and meet at least one of the following criteria: weigh more than 10,000 pounds, have a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, transport 16 or more passengers not for compensation or nine or more passengers for compensation, or transport hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards.

Can I install any old ELD?

No. ELD manufacturers are required to certify that their ELDs meet technical standards in the ELD rule. Only those ELDs may be installed.

Hours of Service Frequently Asked Questions

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MiX Hours of Service^TM FAQ

What is the ELD Mandate?

Also known as the ELD Final Rule, the ELD Mandate was instituted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in December 2015 and requires commercial motor vehicle drivers to track their Record of Duty Status electronically, using compliant ELDs versus paper logbooks.
What is an Electronic Logging Device (ELD)?

An Electronic Logging Device, or ELD for short, is a device designed to automatically record a driver’s driving time and other aspects relating to Hours of Service (HOS) compliance. The device does this by monitoring a vehicle’s engine and traveling time.
How is an ELD different to an AOBRD (Automatic On Board Recording Device)?

While an Automatic On Board Recording Device (AOBRD) also records the amount of time a vehicle is being driven, an ELD must be certified and registered with the FMCSA. Each ELD model will have a unique registration number that can be found on its display or printout.
What are the benefits of ELDs?

Most notably, ELDs allow for the recording of more accurate driving hours. They also negate the need for manual paper log entries, which can result in unintentional Hours of Service (HOS) violations. By improving compliance with HOS rules, drivers have more time to rest and are more likely to operate their vehicles in a safe and efficient way. Furthermore, accurate HOS records can boost fleet efficiency and utilization, as they facilitate streamlined business operations like effective dispatching.
When does the ELD Mandate come into effect?

The ELD Mandate was published in December 2015, and started coming into effect in February 2016 with the rolling out of Phase 1, being the early adoption of ELDs.
What’s the final deadline to comply with the ELD Mandate?

By 16 December 2019, all commercial motor vehicles must have a certified, registered ELD installed that complies with the ELD Mandate.
Does the ELD Mandate apply to me?

If your drivers operate commercial motor vehicles or CMVs, and are currently required to track their Record of Duty Status for Hours of Service (HOS) compliance, then yes.
What is classified as a commercial motor vehicle, or CMV?

CMVs are classified as vehicles that are used for business purposes or interstate commerce and meet at least one of the following criteria: weigh more than 10,000 pounds, have a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, transport 16 or more passengers not for compensation or nine or more passengers for compensation, or transport hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards.
Can I install any old ELD?

No. ELD manufacturers are required to certify that their ELDs meet technical standards in the ELD rule. Only those ELDs may be installed.

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