**Update March 10th, 2022**

Canada Further delays ELD enforcement- pushing back full implementation of the ELD Mandate to January 1, 2023. 

Read the full statement released by Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) on March 7th here 

The Canadian hours of service HOS Rules are intended to ensure that commercial drivers drive within their daily limit and accurately log their working hours via an electronic logbook (elog app). The ELD devices track when and how long drivers have been at the wheel, and ensure they are complying with the Government of Canada’s Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service HOS Regulations.

Updated November 2020:

Transport Canada remains committed to the June 2021 rollout of electronic logging devices (ELDs) for federally regulated operations, even though a related third-party testing and certification process has yet to be finalized.

The new rules will come into effect on June 12, 2021, by which time all drivers must be ELD compliant. 

• Will standardize processes to prevent errors, logbook tampering and driver harassment
• Will adopt most of the provisions in the U.S. Mandate from December 2017
• Won’t change the Hours of Service HOS regulations—just how drive time is recorded and reported
• Will require replacing paper logs with a regulation-compliant device (ELD Electronic logging device) that connects directly to the engine ECM diagnostic ports.
• Commercial vehicles meeting the following will be exempt from the ruling:
  • operated by a motor carrier under a permit
  • operated by a motor carrier to which an exemption has been issued under the ACT
  • the subject of a rental agreement of no longer than 30 days that is not an extended or renewed rental
  • Or manufactured before model year 2000

More about the Canadian ELD exemptions

Currently, commercial vehicle drivers hours of service regulations in Canada limit drivers to 13-hours of consecutive driving time in a 16-hour work shift and then a minimum of 8 consecutive hours of off duty status.

Regulatory differences, such as personal conveyance and yard moves

• Canadian hours of service personal conveyance – 
  Canada limits personal conveyance to 75 km or 46.6 miles per day. At the 76th kilometer, the ELD switches to drive status, and then drivers will have to do a full reset before they can utilize personal conveyance again.
• Yard moves. In Canada, if the driver is in yard move status and the vehicle speed exceeds 32 km/h (20 mph), the device automatically switches to drive mode. Canada built this in as a safety net so that if you leave the yard, you’re not stuck in yard moves, which happens here quite a bit.

Work shift rule

• Canada has a work shift rule, and you have a day rule, and there are multiple requirements within those even in splitting sleeper berth time. There are differences between team drivers and single drivers. There are differences in the “cycles (70 hours in 7 days and 120 hours in 14 days). Perhaps the biggest change coming our way is that the Canadian regulations say the driver has control over many of those things.
• In Canada, the driver has control of their ability to defer off-duty time, for example, they also have to have control over their cycle changes. And they also have control over their zone changes as there are differences when operation north of the 60th parallel of latitude.

The Canadian government has linked ELD devices with safer roads and preventing fatigue, like the reasons supplied by the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It says: “Driver fatigue is recognized in Canada and internationally as a critical risk factor associated with motor vehicle crashes, accounting for 15-20% of crashes in transportation. Commercial motor vehicle drivers are particularly at risk because of the monotonous nature of their work, extended work days, irregular schedules and poor sleep hygiene.”

For a number of years, the Canadian Trucking Alliance has been pointing to research that shows a universal Electronic Logging Device mandate would have a direct and immediate impact on curbing behaviors strongly linked with higher crash rates . “We’re constantly looking at how technology can improve road safety, and electronic stability control and electronic logging devices fit the bill,” said Canadian Transport Minister Marc Garneau. “These new measures not only make trucks and buses safer, but they also have a trickle-down effect of making the roads safer for all Canadians.”

The Canadian ELD announcement was received with open arms by trucking bodies in Canada. Mike Millian, President of The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) welcomed the introduction of the ELDs stating: “we are firm believers that this regulation will benefit the entire industry. Electronic logs will make compliance easier to verify, ensuring all carriers are following the hours of service rules. This will result in a leveling of the playing field within the industry and improved road safety for all.”

Last updated November:

Transport Canada remains committed to the June 2021 rollout of electronic logging devices (ELDs) for federally regulated operations, even though a related third-party testing and certification process has yet to be finalized. 

In Canada, motor carriers and drivers will have two years to prepare for the implementation of ELDs. Within those two years of transition, drivers and carriers will be exempt from compliance with the new ELD provisions. After the two-year transition period, full compliance will be required by June 12th, 2021.

From the Govt Of Canada Website: 
Electronic logging devices are tamper-resistant devices that are integrated into commercial vehicle engines. They are intended to ensure that commercial drivers drive within their daily limit and accurately log their working hours. The devices track when and how long drivers have been at the wheel, and ensure they are complying with the Government of Canada’s Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service HOS Regulations.

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