US congress mandated that the FMCSA publish a rule in an effort to improve safety as well as compliance with hours of service rules. The mandate was created to give requirements for device specifications, prohibit driver harassment, help manage compliance and improve road safety.
As many questions continue to circulate, here are four answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on the legislation:
When will the ELD Mandate go into effect?
Starting December 18, 2017, all paper and alternative devices will be eliminated. Only automatic on-board recording devices (AOBRDs) that were installed before December of this year and are registered ELD solutions will be allowed for installation with plans to upgrade over the next two years.
Who needs to comply with the ELD Mandate?
All companies with drivers keeping RODS (record of duty status), whether it’s on paper or some other form of e-log, should plan to research if they need to switch to ELDs.
The standard rules around who uses hours of service haven’t significantly changed. This means that all commercial property and passenger vehicles that cross state lines, weigh over 10,000 lbs., or are hazmat, will need to continue to do their driver logs.
Who is exempt from the ELD Mandate?
There are a few exemptions from having to put an ELD device in your truck, which include:
- Vehicles weighing less than 10,000 lbs.
- Intrastate commerce
- Short-haulers or trucks hauling less than 8 days in a rolling 30-day period
- Drive-away, tow-away operators
- Vehicles manufactured prior to the year 2000
Where does the ELD Mandate have jurisdiction?
The mandate impacts any business operating in the United States, and includes drivers within the US as well as Canada and Mexico domiciled drivers. Drivers who are exempt under an intrastate specific rule will not have to follow the ELD Mandate requirements. However, if the driver crosses a state line, that driver needs to follow the Federal guidelines.
The hours of service rules haven’t changed for drivers who cross borders into Canada and Mexico.
Have a question regarding the ELD mandate? MHC Truck Leasing wants to help you stay informed and compliant on the rules and regulations. Contact your local rep today to learn more information and stay current on the latest industry updates.