FMCSA ELD Mandate Exemptions
Who is exempt from using an ELD?
- Drivers who operate under the short-haul exemption (e.g., within a 100-air-mile radius).
- Drivers of vehicles manufactured before the year 2000.
- Drivers who use paper logs for no more than 8 days within any 30-day period.
- Drivers of drive-away/tow-away operations where the vehicle being driven is the commodity.
How many miles can you drive without an ELD?
Can you run a truck without an ELD?
Yes, if you fall under one of the exemptions, such as operating a vehicle manufactured before 2000, staying within the short-haul exemption, or using paper logs for no more than 8 days in any 30-day period.
Can you use paper logs instead of ELD?
Why are older trucks exempt from ELD?
Trucks manufactured before 2000 are exempt because their engines lack the electronic control modules (ECMs) needed to interface with ELD systems.
What drivers are required to keep logs?
Drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) on duty for longer than 8 hours a day or outside the short-haul exemption must maintain records of duty status (RODS) using an ELD or paper logs.
What is the penalty for not having an ELD?
Penalties may include:
- Fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Out-of-service orders for non-compliance.
- Points added to the carrier’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score.
What is the 100-mile exemption for ELD?
Drivers who stay within a 100-air-mile radius of their reporting location and return within 12 hours of starting their shift are exempt from ELD use, provided they maintain accurate time records.
Do livestock haulers have to use ELD?
Livestock haulers are subject to ELD requirements but may qualify for additional exemptions due to the unique nature of transporting live animals under the AG Exempt rules which allow them to drive Drivers are exempt from Hours of Service rules within a 150-air-mile radius of the source of the agricultural commodities or destination for farm supplies.
Fleets hauling livestock should confirm their ELD provider supports the AG Exempt ruling, such as the DriverLog ELD solution.
How many days can you run paper logs?
Drivers may use paper logs instead of an ELD for up to 8 days within any 30-day period if they qualify for this exemption.
Do owner-operators have to use ELD?
Yes, owner-operators must use ELDs unless they qualify for one of the exemptions, such as the pre-2000 vehicle exemption or the short-haul exemption.
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