FAQ
FAQ
What information is automatically recorded by an Electronic Logging Device (ELD)?
An ELD automatically records the following data elements at certain intervals: date; time; location information; engine hours; vehicle miles; and identification information for the driver, authenticated user, vehicle, and motor carrier.
When is location data recorded by an Electronic Logging Device (ELD)?
Location data must be recorded by an ELD at 60-minute intervals when the vehicle is in motion, and when the driver powers up and shuts down the engine, changes duty status, and indicates personal use or yard moves.
Will the vehicle location information identify street addresses?
No. Vehicle location information is not sufficiently precise to identify street addresses. For each change in duty status, the ELD must convert automatically captured vehicle position in latitude/longitude coordinates into geo-location information that indicates the approximate distance and direction to an identifiable location corresponding to the name of a nearby city, town, or village, with a State abbreviation.
Can an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) function from a smartphone?
Yes. An ELD can be on a smartphone and other wireless devices if the device meets the ELD technical specifications.
What electronic logging device (ELD) user accounts must be set up by a motor carrier?
ELD user accounts must be set up by a motor carrier for:
- Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who are employed by the motor carrier and who are required to use the ELD
- Support personnel who have been authorized by the motor carrier to create, remove, and manage user accounts; configure allowed ELD parameters; and access, review, and manage drivers’ ELD records on behalf of the motor carrier.
What are the options for Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to transfer data?
According to the ELD rule technical specifications, an ELD must support one of two options for electronic data transfer:
- The first option is a “telematics” transfer type ELD. At a minimum, it must electronically transfer data to an authorized safety official on demand via wireless Web services and email.
- The second option is a “local” transfer type ELD. At a minimum, it must electronically transfer data to an authorized safety official on demand via USB 2.0 and Bluetooth®. To ensure that law enforcement is always able to receive the hours of service (HOS) data during a roadside inspection, a driver must be able to provide either the display or a printout when an authorized safety official requests a physical display of the information.
What are the key requirements of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) rule?
The ELD rule:
- Requires ELD use by commercial drivers who are required to prepare hours-of-service (HOS) records of duty status (RODS).
- Sets ELD performance and design standards, and requires ELDs to be certified and registered with FMCSA.
- Establishes what supporting documents drivers and carriers are required to keep.
- Prohibits harassment of drivers based on ELD data or connected technology (such as fleet management system). The rule also provides recourse for drivers who believe they have been harassed.