The FMCSA Mandate which requires electronic logging devices (ELDs) by drivers currently required to prepare HOS records of duty status (RODS) has launched.
From the FMCSA Website:
The Electronic Logging Devices and Hours-of-Service Supporting Documents Rule (ELD Rule) is intended to make it easier and faster to accurately track, manage, and share records of duty status (RODS) data.
The rule applies to most carriers and drivers who are required to maintain RODS.
The ELD Rule:
Specifies who is covered by the rule and the rule’s exceptions.
Includes a phased implementation timeline to give carriers and drivers time to comply.
Simplifies the requirements for retaining supporting documents to verify time.
Includes procedural changes to address driver harassment by a motor carrier.
Prohibits ELDs from certain operations in order to limit driver harassment by a motor carrier.
Provides for ELDs to be certified and then listed on an FMCSA website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/devices.
Includes technical specifications to ensure ELDs are standardized and compliant.
Includes provisions to help prevent data tampering and harassment of drivers.
Creates standard data displays and data transfer processes, making it easier to demonstrate compliance and faster to share RODS with safety officials.
ELD RULE IMPACTS
Carriers and Drivers who are subject to the rule must install and use ELDs by the appropriate deadline:
Carriers and drivers who are using paper logs or logging software must transition to ELDS no later than two years post publication.
Carriers and drivers who use AOBRDS prior to the compliance date must transition to ELDS no later than four years post publication.
Enforcement Partners must understand enforcement and compliance procedures during each implementation phase, and which regulatory guidance applies to each phase.
ELD Manufacturers must conform to ELD technical specifications, register with the FMCSA, and certify their ELDs for listing on the FMCSA website.
IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
The ELD rule is being implemented in several phases:
The Effective Date is the date 60 days after the rule’s publication in the Federal Register.
The Compliance Date is two years from the publication date.
Phase 1: Awareness and Transition Phase: The two-year period following publication of the ELD rule.
During this time, carriers and drivers subject to the rule should prepare to comply, and may voluntarily use ELDs.
Carriers and drivers subject to the rule can use any of the following for records of duty status (RODS):
Paper logs
Logging software
AOBRDS (Automatic On Board Recording Devices)
ELDs that are registered and listed on the FMCSA website
Phase 2: Phased-In Compliance Phase: The two-year period from the Compliance Date to the Full Compliance Phase (four years following ELD rule publication).
Carriers and drivers subject to the rule can only use:
AOBRDS that were installed before the rule’s compliance date (two years from the date of publication).
Certified ELDs listed on the FMCSA website following rule publication.
Phase 3: Full Compliance Phase: Four years after publication all drivers and carriers subject to the rule must use certified ELDs that comply with requirements of the ELD regulations.
FURTHER INFORMATION
A comprehensive ELD section of the website will be launched by 2:00 PM EST on Thursday, December 10. Please check back then to learn more about ELDs and visit the Final Rule Documentation in the meantime for further details on the rule.
We also encourage you to sign up for the ELD newsletter and email distribution list to make sure you stay informed.
See more at: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/faqs