top of page
Image by Josiah Farrow

Frequently Asked Questions
ELD Exceptions

1. What is an Electronic Logging Device (ELD)?

​

  • An ELD is a device that automatically records a driver's driving time and other aspects of their hours-of-service (HOS) records. It is used to improve road safety and simplify the recording and monitoring of HOS compliance.

​​

2. Who is required to use an ELD?

​

  • Most commercial drivers who are required to keep records of duty status (RODS) under HOS regulations must use an ELD, with certain exceptions.

​​

3. What are the exceptions to the ELD mandate?

​

   The following drivers are exempt from the ELD mandate:

  • Drivers using paper RODS for not more than 8 days during any 30-day period.

  • Drivers of vehicles manufactured before the model year 2000.

  • Drivers conducting driveaway-towaway operations where the vehicle being driven is the commodity.

  • Drivers operating within a 150 air-mile radius (short-haul exemption) who do not exceed the 14-hour on-duty limit.

​​

4. How does the short-haul exemption work?

​

  • Drivers who qualify for the short-haul exemption are not required to use an ELD if they operate within a 150 air-mile radius and return to their work reporting location within 14 hours. They must maintain time records instead of RODS.

​​

5. What is the 8-day paper log exemption?

​

  • Drivers who are required to keep RODS for 8 or fewer days within any 30-day period are exempt from using an ELD. They can use paper logs for those days.

​​

6. Are vehicles manufactured before the model year 2000 exempt from the ELD mandate?

​

  • Yes, vehicles with engines manufactured before the model year 2000 are exempt from the ELD mandate because they may not be compatible with ELD technology.

​​

7. What are driveaway-towaway operations, and are they exempt from the ELD mandate?

​

  • Driveaway-towaway operations involve the transportation of a vehicle when the vehicle itself is the commodity being delivered (e.g., a truck being delivered from the manufacturer to the dealership). Drivers in these operations are exempt from the ELD mandate.

​​

8. Are agricultural operations exempt from the ELD mandate?

​

  • Certain agricultural operations are exempt, especially during state-declared planting and harvesting periods. Drivers transporting agricultural commodities within a 150 air-mile radius are exempt from ELD requirements.

​​

9. What happens if a driver operating under an exception is required to use an ELD later?

​

  • If a driver loses their exception status (e.g., exceeds the short-haul exemption radius), they must use an ELD and comply with all HOS regulations for the remainder of their duty period.

​​

10. What are the record-keeping requirements for exempt drivers?

​

  • Exempt drivers must maintain accurate time records, such as time cards or logbooks, depending on their specific exemption. They must still comply with applicable HOS regulations and be prepared to provide documentation during inspections.

​

11. Where can I find more information or assistance?

​

​

bottom of page