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FAQ Get answers to ELD-related questions

FMCSA provides answers to frequently asked questions about ELDs. Consult these FAQs when you have an ELD-related question, as the answer may already be at your fingertips.

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Is a Canada/Mexico-domiciled motor carrier’s driver, who is exempt under the 100 air-mile radius exception, still exempt from using an ELD when entering the United States (U.S.) more than 8 times in a 30-day period?

  • Drivers qualify for the 100 air-mile radius (short-haul) exception regardless of the number of times they enter the U.S., provided they meet all requirements of the short-haul exception under 49 CFR 395.1(e).
  • If a driver operates in the U.S. for more than 8 days during a 30-day period and does not qualify for the short haul exception after the 8th day, the driver is subject to the ELD rule unless another exemption applies.
Last Updated : March 10, 2022

What is the responsibility of the carrier and driver pertaining to electronic logging device (ELD) diagnostic events or malfunctions that do not interfere with the accurate recording of hours of service? What would the documentation requirements be in those cases?

If the malfunction and/or event does not hinder the ELD's accurate recording of the hours of service, the ELD rule does not require a documentation process. Under 49 CFR 395.34 drivers are still required to report a malfunction to a carrier within 24 hours and the motor carrier is required to repair or replace the malfunctioning ELD within 8 days. However, if the event does not affect hours of service and has been cleared by the ELD itself, the additional reporting requirements under § 395.34 do not apply. In addition, drivers are required to follow any motor carrier instructions for diagnostic events and must review their records of duty status (RODS) and certify they are true and correct under § 395.30. Motor carriers should continue to monitor such short-term diagnostic events and malfunctions to ensure the ELD is operating properly.

Last Updated : March 10, 2022