Got Questions? ELD and Telematics

Q. I heard the FMCSA recently clarified ELD compliance extensions. What do I need to know about this?

A. On February 15, 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued new guidance on the use of older logging devices and compliance extension dates. Fleets will now have until December 2019 to comply with the ELD mandate.

Under the original ELD mandate, fleets could use automatic onboard recording devices (AOBRDs) until December 16, 2019. The guidance says that a fleet can transfer an existing AOBRD to a new truck and still comply with the ELD mandate. In the recent update, however, the FMCSA has clarified that this only applies to new trucks purchased prior to December 2017 and the truck purchased must replace an existing truck. If the new truck is not replacing an existing truck in the fleet’s operation, then the AOBRD cannot be transferred and the truck will not be in compliance.

Another update issued the same day said that if fleets are found to be using non-compliant devices after the December 2019 deadline, they will be given eight days to replace the non-compliant device with one that is compliant. However, the FMCSA indicated if there are widespread issues, it will work with fleets to establish “a reasonable time frame” for replacing non-compliant devices with those that meet its requirements.

To ensure you’re complying with the mandate, chose a device from the FMCSA’s registry of certified devices. It’s important to note that manufacturers self-certify devices since there is no testing for compliance done by the FMCSA, and suppliers are not required to notify fleets if their device is removed from the list.