ELD Mandate Explained: Who Needs an ELD and Who Is Exempt
5 min read
14-day free trial · $15/driver/month after.
Start Your 14-Day Free TrialThe ELD rule requires most drivers who must keep Records of Duty Status (RODS) to record them with an electronic logging device. Here's who it applies to.
Who needs an ELD
If you drive a commercial motor vehicle and are required to keep RODS under the Hours of Service rules, you generally need a registered ELD.
Main exemptions
- Drivers using the short-haul exception who don't need to keep RODS
- Drivers who keep RODS for no more than 8 days in any 30-day period
- Driveaway-towaway operations where the vehicle driven is the commodity
- Vehicles with an engine model year older than 2000
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.
Check the source
Rules and guidance can change. Confirm your situation on FMCSA's ELD pages before relying on an exemption.
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.