ELD Requirements and Exemptions: Who Needs an ELD
Most interstate commercial drivers who keep records of duty status must use a registered ELD. The main exceptions are short-haul drivers who qualify for the 150 air-mile exemption, drivers who need logs on no more than 8 days in any 30-day period, driveaway-towaway operations, and vehicles with engines older than model year 2000.
Whether a box truck, cargo van or hotshot rig needs an ELD depends mostly on weight (10,001 lb or more GVWR/GCWR), whether it crosses state lines, and whether the driver qualifies for an exemption. Start with the mandate guide, then check your vehicle type.
Start with these guides and tools
- ELD mandate guideWho the rule covers and what it requires
- ELD exemptionsShort-haul, 8-in-30, pre-2000 engines, driveaway
- What is an ELD?How the device and app work
- Box truck ELD rulesWhen a straight truck needs one
- Sprinter and cargo van ELD rulesWeight thresholds explained
- Hotshot ELD requirementsPickup plus trailer combinations
- Vehicles under 10,000 lbWhen federal ELD rules don't apply
- FMCSA registered and revoked ELD listCheck a device before you buy
- ELD cab cardWhat must be in the truck
- California ELD rulesPlus the Clean Truck Check
- California Clean Truck CheckEmissions compliance
- Texas ELD rulesIntrastate vs interstate
- Arizona ELD rulesState notes
- North Carolina ELD rulesState notes
- Ohio ELD rulesState notes
- Pennsylvania ELD rulesState notes
- Tennessee ELD rulesState notes
Articles on this topic
- Roadside Reality: The 8-Day Clock for ELD Malfunctions
Roadside Reality: The 8-Day Clock for ELD Malfunctions - Proper ELD malfunction procedures require clockwork precision to avoid Out-of-Service orders during a roadside inspection. - Drivers must immed
- The Hidden Risk of Self-Certified Devices: Protecting Your Authority from ELD Non-Compliance
The Hidden Risk of Self-Certified Devices: Protecting Your Authority from ELD Non-Compliance - The FMCSA does not "approve" ELDs; it merely lists devices that manufacturers claim meet the technical re
- Can I Use My Smartphone as an ELD Instead?
No, a smartphone alone is not a compliant ELD. Learn the legal setup (a phone app paired with a registered engine-connected device such as PT-30 or IOSiX) and what inspectors check.
- Navigating the Challenges of ELD Compliance: Essential Strategies for Small Trucking Firms
Navigate the complexities of ELD compliance for small trucking firms. Discover effective strategies and resources to streamline your operations and stay compliant with trucking regulations.