ELD trucking: A complete guide for fleet compliance

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) play a vital role in helping fleets stay compliant with federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations while improving safety and efficiency. In this guide, we’ll cover everything fleet managers need to know about ELD trucking, including ELD requirements, exemptions, and how Samsara’s ELD solution can help fleets stay safe and compliant.

What is an electronic logging device (ELD)?

An electronic logging device (ELD), also known as an electronic logbook or elog, is a device that connects to a commercial vehicle’s engine to automatically record driving time and vehicle operation data. 

Unlike earlier systems such as AOBRDs or Electronic On-Board Recorders (EOBRs), ELDs must be FMCSA-registered and be connected directly to the engine to prevent falsification of records. These devices replace manual paper logs, providing accurate, tamper-resistant records of a driver’s Hours of Service. In 2017, the ELD mandate was passed, requiring most commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators to use ELD devices to digitally record HOS data.

Today, modern ELDs integrate with technology such as telematics, GPS tracking solutions, and fleet management software to allow drivers to log duty status changes, track driving hours, and present driver logs during roadside inspections.

In addition to HOS tracking, many ELDs also support International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) reporting by automatically capturing vehicle mileage by jurisdiction, helping streamline quarterly fuel tax reporting and reduce administrative work for fleet managers.

What is the ELD mandate?

The ELD mandate is a federal regulation issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that requires most commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to use electronic devices to automatically record their Hours of Service (HOS).

Introduced under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), the ELD mandate was designed to improve driver safety, reduce driver fatigue, and replace paper logbooks with more accurate digital records. It went into effect in December 2017, with full compliance required by December 2019.

Under the mandate, ELDs must:

• Connect directly to a vehicle’s engine to track when the vehicle is moving.

• Automatically record driving time, engine hours, location, and miles driven.

• Be registered and certified by the FMCSA,

• Include a standardized method for transferring data to law enforcement during inspections.

The ELD rule was implemented in two main stages:

• Phase 1 (effective December 17, 2017): All vehicles required to comply with the mandate must electronically record Hours of Service using an FMCSA-certified ELD device that meets the standards outlined in 49 CFR 395.15. Vehicles already equipped with Automatic On-Board Recording Devices (AOBRDs) could continue using those until the next phase.

• Phase 2 (effective December 17, 2019): This phase required all devices to be true ELDs that connect directly to the vehicle’s engine and automatically transmit engine hour data to the Department of Transportation (DOT). AOBRDs no longer satisfy compliance requirements. Recent updates through 2024 and 2025 have focused on removing non-compliant devices and accommodating state-level FMCSA mandates.

How does the ELD mandate impact compliance for Hours of Service (HOS) regulations?

While the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate does not change the Hours of Service (HOS) rules, it standardizes how driving time and duty status are recorded. Previously, drivers could use paper logs or Automatic On-Board Recording Devices (AOBRDs) to record driving time, but under the ELD mandate, most commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) must use FMCSA-registered ELDs to electronically track and report HOS data.

Here are a few of the key HOS regulations that drivers must follow under the ELD mandate:

1. 11-hour driving limit

Drivers of property-carrying CMVs may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. This limit helps reduce fatigue and ensures truckers get adequate rest between shifts.

2. 14-hour limit

Once a driver goes on duty (whether driving or performing non-driving tasks), they have a 14-hour window to complete their driving for the day. After 14 consecutive hours on duty, a driver may not drive again until after a 10-hour off-duty period—even if they haven’t driven the full 11 hours. Off-duty breaks do not pause the 14-hour clock.

3. 30-minute break requirement

After 8 cumulative hours of driving time, truck drivers must take a 30-minute non-driving break. This break can be either off duty or on-duty, not driving, and it must occur before resuming driving. This rule is intended to give drivers a rest opportunity and prevent fatigue-related incidents.

4. 60/70-hour limit

The 60/70-hour limit restricts how many on-duty hours a commercial driver can accumulate over a rolling 7- or 8-day period, depending on whether the carrier operates daily. Drivers may not operate a commercial motor vehicle once they’ve reached 60 hours in 7 consecutive days (if the carrier doesn’t operate every day) or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days (if the carrier runs daily). To restart the cycle, drivers must take at least 34 consecutive hours off duty—a reset known as the 34-hour restart. This rule is designed to reduce driver fatigue and ensure long-haul drivers get regular extended rest.

5. Sleeper berth provision

The sleeper berth provision allows drivers to split their required 10-hour off-duty period into two qualifying rest segments. One segment must be at least 7 consecutive hours spent in the sleeper berth, and the other must be at least 2 consecutive hours either off duty or in the sleeper berth. When used in combination, these two breaks pause the 14-hour on-duty clock, giving truck drivers greater flexibility to manage time around delays, loading dock wait times, or congested routes without violating Hours of Service (HOS) limits.

6. Short-haul exception

Drivers who qualify for the short-haul exception are not required to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) or maintain standard Records of Duty Status (RODS). To be eligible, a short-haul driver must operate within a 150 air-mile radius of their normal reporting location, start and end their shift at the same place, complete all work within a 14-hour duty window, and not exceed the 60/70-hour weekly limit. The short-haul exemption simplifies compliance for local and regional operations with predictable schedules.

7. 16-hour short-haul exception

In addition to the standard short-haul exemption, certain drivers may take advantage of the 16-hour short-haul exception. This provision allows eligible drivers to extend their on-duty time from 14 to 16 hours once per 7-day period, or after taking a 34-hour restart. To qualify, drivers must return to the same reporting location, not have used the exception in the past six consecutive days, and must still remain within the 11-hour driving limit.

8. Adverse driving conditions exception

The adverse driving conditions exception provides added flexibility when drivers encounter unexpected road or weather-related delays that could not have been anticipated at the time of dispatch. Under this rule, property-carrying drivers may extend their driving time by up to two hours, from 11 to 13 hours, though they must still complete the day within the 14-hour duty window. Passenger-carrying drivers may also extend their drive time from 10 to 12 hours and are allowed to exceed the 15-hour on-duty limit if necessary.

9. Personal conveyance 

The personal conveyance rule states that drivers may use their vehicle for personal use while off duty, such as driving to a hotel, restaurant, or home. However, personal conveyance must not be used for business purposes (e.g., repositioning the vehicle closer to a load). The time is considered off-duty and does not count against HOS limits.

Who must follow the ELD mandate?

The mandate applies to commercial drivers who operate vehicles interstate and are required to keep Records of Duty Status (RODS). This generally includes vehicles that:

• Weigh more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR)

• Are designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) without charge

• Are designed to carry 9 or more paying passengers (including the driver)

• Transport hazardous materials requiring placards

Penalties for ELD non-compliance

Failing to comply with the ELD mandate can result in significant consequences for both drivers and trucking companies. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict penalties designed to encourage compliance and ensure road safety. Common penalties for ELD non-compliance include:

• Fines and civil penalties: Trucking companies and drivers can face monetary fines for operating without a compliant ELD or for tampering with ELD data. These fines vary by violation severity but can reach thousands of dollars per offense.

• Out-of-service orders: Drivers or vehicles found to be non-compliant during roadside inspections may be placed out of service, halting operations until compliance is achieved.

• Increased inspection frequency: Non-compliant fleets are subject to more frequent FMCSA vehicle inspections.

• CSA score impact: Violations related to ELD and Hours of Service regulations negatively affect the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores, which can lead to higher insurance premiums and reputational damage.

• Driver disqualification: Repeat or serious violations may result in driver suspensions or disqualifications, reducing driver availability and increasing hiring costs.

What are some exemptions to the ELD mandate?

While the ELD mandate applies to most commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers in the trucking industry, the FMCSA provides several exemptions based on the operations, vehicle type, and driving patterns. Understanding these exemptions can help fleet managers avoid unnecessary equipment costs and compliance issues. Some common ELD mandate exemptions include:

• Short-haul exemption: Drivers operating within a 150 air-mile radius of their home base, returning each day, and working no more than 14 hours on duty are exempt from using ELDs.

• Driveaway-towaway operations: Drivers transporting vehicles where the vehicle itself is the cargo (such as towing an RV) are exempt.

• Pre-2000 model year vehicles: CMVs with engines manufactured before 2000 are exempt due to lack of engine control modules and diagnostics.

• Limited RODS usage: Drivers who keep paper logs for 8 or fewer days in any 30-day period are exempt.

• Agricultural exemptions: Certain farm vehicles and drivers transporting bees or livestock during specific periods may be exempt from some HOS rules or break requirements.

• 16-hour short-haul exception: Allows once-per-cycle extension of the driving window to 16 hours for drivers who have started and ended work at the same location for five consecutive days.

Improve ELD compliance with Samsara's ELD solution

Whether you’re an independent owner-operator or an enterprise trucking company, Samsara's comprehensive ELD solution can help your fleet navigate complex Hours of Service regulations with ease. Recognized as one of the best ELD solutions available today, Samsara is FMCSA-registered and third-party certified, enabling fleets to improve compliance, safety, and efficiency. With Samsara’s ELD solution, fleets can:

• Ensure compliance: Automated HOS tracking and real-time violation alerts help fleets stay compliant with FMCSA regulations.

• Boost efficiency: Eliminate paperwork, speed up dispatch with real-time tracking, and integrate with key systems like maintenance and fuel management.

• Improve the driver experience: Samsara’s user-friendly mobile app can be accessed directly on a driver’s smartphone or tablet, simplifying log entries,automating duty status updates, and reducing distractions and manual work.

• Reduce costs: Improve fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs with real-time diagnostics and actionable insights on vehicle performance.

• Enhance safety: Enhance driver safety with behavior coaching with tamper-proof logs and GPS evidence during incidents.

To learn more about how Samsara can help you remain compliant, explore our ELD device and compliance solution and get in touch with our team today.