ELD Malfunction: What Drivers and Carriers Must Do
4 min read
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Start Your 14-Day Free TrialIf your ELD stops working, FMCSA rules spell out what to do so you stay compliant.
Driver steps
- Note the malfunction and notify your carrier in writing within 24 hours
- Reconstruct your logs for the current 24 hours and the previous 7 days
- Keep paper logs until the ELD is repaired or replaced
Carrier steps
The carrier must repair or replace the device within 8 days of finding out, or ask FMCSA for an extension.
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Be ready
Keep blank paper logs and your ELD instruction sheet in the cab.
Sources: FMCSA: ELD malfunctions. Last updated 2026-10-29. Rules change; always confirm with the official source.
Related guides & tools
Try LOGWAY free
ELD, fuel, factoring and insurance tools for owner-operators and small fleets, in one place.
Start Your 14-Day Free Trial$15/driver/month after trial. ELD hardware $150.