Trucking Info

Fleet FAQ

Got Questions? Top ELD Questions Answered

Q. We're in the process of choosing an ELD to replace our AOBRDs, but how do I know if the electronic logging device meets all the technical specifications?

A.Your potential ELD provider needs to verify that its solution meets all of the technical specifications provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).


The basic specifications include:

  • Provides separate accounts for drivers and administrative (non-driver) ELD users
  • Has “integral synchronization” with the engine control module to automatically record engine power status, vehicle motion status, and other data
  • Automatically records all driving time and at intervals of 60 minutes. Records date, time, location, engine hours, vehicle miles, and driver identification
  • Records location with an accuracy of one-mile radius during on-duty driving periods
  • Reduces location accuracy to a 10-mile radius when vehicle is used for authorized personal use
  • ELD time is synchronized with UTC (coordinated universal time)
  • Retains data for the current 24-hour period and the previous 7 consecutive days
  • Prevents tampering; does not allow anyone to alter or erase information originally collected for driver ELD records
  • Requires driver to review unidentified driver records – and either acknowledge assignment of this driving time, or indicate that the records do not belong to the driver
  • Allows a driver to obtain a copy of his/her ELD records on demand – either through a printout or electronic file
  • Supports at least one of the two options for electronic data transfer:
    • Telematics type: using wireless web services and email; or
    • Local transfer type: using USB2.0 and Bluetooth
  • Displays all required standardized data to authorized safety officials on demand – through a screen display or printout that includes three elements: a daily header, graph grid showing driving duty status changes, and detailed daily log data. The graph grid, if printed, must be at least 6 inches by 1.5 inches
  • Requires driver certification and annotation (written explanation) for any edits to records that are made by the driver or any other ELD user
  • Requires certification of driver records at the end of each 24-hour period
  • ELD provider furnishes user’s manual, instructions for handling malfunctions and record-keeping during malfunctions, and instructions for transferring ELD hours of service records to safety officials
  • Volume control or mute option for any audio feature

While the above is not an exhaustive list, the provider’s ELD must fulfill these basic functions.


During the evaluation process, your potential provider should demonstrate that its ELD can perform these functions. If they can’t you’d be advised to find another provider who can.

Expert Bio

Answered by : Scott Sutarik from Geotab

VP, Commercial Vehicle Solutions

Scott Sutarik is the VP of Commercial Vehicle Solutions at Geotab Inc. He has extensive experience within the truck manufacturing industry, specializing in medium duty and heavy duty trucks. He previously worked in sales and marketing at Navistar Inc. where he supported over 700 dealerships, worked with suppliers and telematics providers, and managed the OnCommand Connection Program. With his expertise in telematics, regulatory compliance, engine diagnostics, and alternative fueled vehicles, Scott provides training and works with Geotab's partners to develop leading-edge fleet management solutions for the trucking industry.

Scott Sutarik is the VP of Commercial Vehicle Solutions at Geotab Inc. He has extensive experience within the truck manufacturing industry, specializing in medium duty and heavy duty trucks. He previously worked in sales and marketing at Navistar Inc. where he supported over 700 dealerships, worked with suppliers and telematics providers, and managed the OnCommand Connection Program. With his expertise in telematics, regulatory compliance, engine diagnostics, and alternative fueled vehicles, Scott provides training and works with Geotab's partners to develop leading-edge fleet management solutions for the trucking industry.

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