There are two main factors that determine whether a truck is ELD-exempt or not. The first is the engine model year. Most pre-2000 models do not have an engine control module, so they are not required to use an ELD. Those with post-2000 engines are still required to use an ELD. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
One exception to the ELD requirement is a glider kit, which is an engine-only cab placed on an older chassis. These trucks do not have the sophisticated electronics needed to feed the ELD. The glider kit is exempt from the ELD rule, but it will not be compliant unless the engine is pre-2000. Those operators who use glider kits should keep all documentation on hand.
Some vehicles are exempt from the ELD rule, including agricultural vehicles, towaway shipments, and vehicles not equipped with an RODS. Some vehicles also qualify as “short-haul” or “100 air-mile” exclusions.
Do Local Drivers Need Eld?
The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate is a big step forward for the transportation industry, and it will save fleet managers both time and money. However, it doesn’t apply to every driver or business. For example, Florida drivers who do not operate a commercial vehicle do not need to have an ELD. However, they should check with FMCSA to determine whether they are required to use an ELD or not.
There are some exceptions to the ELD mandate, including local drivers who don’t use their vehicle for more than 100 air miles in a day. Certain exemptions apply to church bus drivers who operate in states where the mandate does not apply. Other exemptions may apply to drivers who operate within the same state as the carrier.
Commercial motor vehicle delivery drivers do not own their own vehicles. Therefore, they are not required to install an ELD in their vehicles. However, they may use their smartphones as ELDs.
Can Truckers Still Use Paper Logs?
Some drivers are confused about ELDs and wonder if they can still use paper logbooks. While ELDs are legally required for long-haul drivers, short-haul truckers still have the option of using paper logs if they choose. These drivers are exempt from ELD mandates if their engine is from 2000 or earlier.
ELDs have several advantages. For example, they replace many of the analog functions of paper logs and provide updated HOS numbers to companies. They also connect to a truck’s engine and record when the vehicle is in motion and indicate when the driver is on duty or off duty. The data from ELDs can be sent to law enforcement and other entities in a standardized format. Electronic logging devices can send data via USB, Bluetooth, or wireless web services.
For small businesses, however, the cost of new technology may not justify the transition. They may have relied on paper logs for years, and it will take some time to switch over to an electronic log. However, the benefits of switching from paper to electronic logs far outweigh the disadvantages. Besides, electronic logs are more convenient to use with smartphones and other electronic gadgets.
How Far Back Can Dot Check Logs?
You may wonder how far back you can check your logs. The answer varies according to the DOT. Generally, records must be kept for 12 months or three years. However, some drivers may think they can cheat the system. If this is the case, it’s best to get ready with a stack of gas receipts.
How Long Can I Run Without an ELD?
Currently, the federal government is requiring motor carriers and drivers to use an Electronic Logging Device (ELD). Not complying with the rule could result in citations, lowered CSA scores, and fines of up to $26,126 per vehicle. However, there are some exemptions to the ELD mandate. For example, trucks that carry less than 150 GCWR or GVWR are exempt from using an ELD.
If the truck is not equipped with an ELD, it can still use a paper log to keep track of hours and duties. However, it must be able to clearly articulate the duty status. Drivers should not discover the need to install an ELD after the eighth day of operation.
Noncompliant drivers will be suspended by the FMCSA for up to 10 hours. However, if their ELD fails, they can continue to use paper logs for up to 8 days. FMCSA is willing to consider drivers’ requests for extensions. Currently, compliance rates with the ELD mandate are improving steadily. Only four percent of inspections have resulted in citations for noncompliant drivers. However, noncompliant carriers should expect delivery delays and SMS scores to suffer.
Who is Exempt From ELD Requirements?
ELDs are a great safety tool for truck drivers, but not all vehicles are required to have them. In some cases, drivers can be exempt from truck ELD requirements if their vehicles are more than 20 years old. The reason for this exception is simple: older trucks might not have the ports needed to connect an ELD.
Drivers who don’t have an ELD are not fully exempt from ELD rules, and will still have to keep a paper log. These drivers must maintain the appropriate documentation at their place of business. They are also exempt if they use a RODS for eight days or fewer within a rolling 30-day period. However, if they break one of these exceptions, they must obtain an ELD for the rest of the cycle.
Some truck ELD requirements require drivers to keep logs, but drivers may also be exempt if they operate in another country. For example, drivers who operate within a one hundred air-mile radius of the US are exempt. However, drivers who do not operate in the US must comply with the US ELD rules. The US has a national ELD law, but ELD providers can design systems that are applicable to the country they are operating in.
Can I Use My Phone As a ELD?
Smartphones are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries, from healthcare to banking to transportation. And the flexibility of these smart devices is only growing. Smartphones are a great choice for an ELD, but they must be reliable, secure and flexible to be truly effective. Here are some tips for using a phone as an ELD:
Make sure your smartphone has bluetooth and location services turned on. Bluetooth connectivity is not as robust as wired connections, and it’s important to be aware of these limitations. Moreover, Bluetooth is limited to the 2.4GHz frequency band, which is also used by Wi-Fi and microwaves. Using your phone as an ELD in close proximity to these sources could compromise the security of the device.
It’s also important to note that not all smart phone ELDs are created equal. Knowing the limitations of a specific device can prevent costly mistakes in the future. Because smartphones and tablets were not created with ELD compliance in mind, they have a lot of other functions, so make sure you have a device with a wide range of functions and capabilities.
Are Owner Operators Exempt From ELD?
Despite the benefits of using an ELD, owner operators still need to comply with the rules of the FMCSA. ELDs are a good way to track hours worked and are necessary to stay competitive and safe. Owner operators can use a Motive ELD that is FMCSA-registered and easy to install.
Short-term rental truck drivers are not required to use an ELD, but they do need to adhere to the rules of the HOS and RODS and should maintain paper logs. They should also keep copies of their contract or exemption notice. While the FMCSA has yet to clarify how long drivers can keep paper logs, the American Pyrotechnics Association has made it clear that they will continue to use paper logs during the Independence Day season and through 2020.
The FMCSA has been considering a small business exemption from the ELD mandate for years. The Small Carrier Electronic Logging Device Exemption Act is the first attempt in Congress to permanently exempt owner operators. But before it can become law, the bill must pass the Senate and House and be signed by President Trump.
Learn More Here:
3.) Best Trucks
