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InstituteFleet SafetyHours of ServiceHours of ServiceIn Depth Sub Topics (Level 4)Driver's record of duty statusFocus AreaEnglishAnalysisTransportationUSA

Digital (non-ELD) logs

['Hours of Service']
Digital (non-ELD) logs
  • Drivers who are eligible to use paper logs have the option to create logs on a digital device, even if that device is not an ELD.
  • Drivers who exercise the option to create non-ELD logs on a digital device must ensure that the log complies with the federal requirements for both paper logs and electronic documents and signatures.
  • Non-ELD digital logs may include GPS capability to capture vehicle movement and location, but do not need to meet the ELD standards.

Though most drivers are required to use an electronic logging device (ELD) in place of other logging options — and other drivers may be required by an employer to use an ELD even if not required to by the regulations — drivers who are eligible to use paper logs have the option to create their logs on a digital device, even if that device is not an ELD.

Federal regulations in 390.32 allow the use of electronic records in place of paper in most cases. Therefore, drivers may create logs using an electronic method if each log complies with 395.8 (paper log requirements) and 390.32 (electronic documents and signatures).

A variety of software and hardware combinations can be used to create digital logs. These include applications running on laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other devices that are not necessarily connected to the vehicle to capture engine-use data. They may include global positioning system (GPS) capability to capture vehicle movement and location, but do not need to meet the ELD standards.

A key consideration with non-ELD digital logs is the ability to print or display logs for inspection. Officers may be unwilling to accept a driver’s laptop or smartphone application in place of a paper log. They are also not required to accept e-mailed logs from a driver’s device, though some officers may allow or request that.

If a driver is using logging software that is NOT part of a compliant ELD, then the logs may need to be printed for inspection, as indicated below:

Software TypeRequirements
Logging software that accepts an electronic signature
  • The electronic logs must include all the same items that are required on a paper log under 395.8, including a signature that meets the standards for an electronic signature in 390.32.
  • The driver must be able to produce logs for today plus the prior seven days for inspection.
  • Enforcement officers have the option — but are not required — to review the logs on the device’s screen.
  • If an enforcement official requests paper copies of the logs, the driver must be able to print the logs for inspection.
  • The motor carrier may retain the electronic logs for six months, rather than paper logs, although they may need to be printed later for inspection or auditing.
Logging software that does NOT accept an electronic signature
  • The electronic logs must include all the same items that are required on a paper log under 395.8, minus the signature.
  • The driver must print each log onto paper at the end of each day and sign it.
  • The driver must be able to present the signed paper logs for today plus the prior seven days for inspection. The driver should be given an opportunity to print and manually sign the current day’s log at the time of the inspection.
  • The printed and signed logs must be retained for six months.

:
hours-of-service
hours-of-service
FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING
Institute14 15-day rule15-hour on-duty ruleFleet Safety70-hour 8-day limit60-hour 7-day limitHours of Service10-hour driving ruleHours of ServiceIn Depth Sub Topics (Level 4)14-hour rule11-hour driving ruleFocus AreaEnglishAnalysisTransportationUSA

The 14/15-day rule

Digital (non-ELD) logs
  • Drivers who are eligible to use paper logs have the option to create logs on a digital device, even if that device is not an ELD.
  • Drivers who exercise the option to create non-ELD logs on a digital device must ensure that the log complies with the federal requirements for both paper logs and electronic documents and signatures.
  • Non-ELD digital logs may include GPS capability to capture vehicle movement and location, but do not need to meet the ELD standards.

Though most drivers are required to use an electronic logging device (ELD) in place of other logging options — and other drivers may be required by an employer to use an ELD even if not required to by the regulations — drivers who are eligible to use paper logs have the option to create their logs on a digital device, even if that device is not an ELD.

Federal regulations in 390.32 allow the use of electronic records in place of paper in most cases. Therefore, drivers may create logs using an electronic method if each log complies with 395.8 (paper log requirements) and 390.32 (electronic documents and signatures).

A variety of software and hardware combinations can be used to create digital logs. These include applications running on laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other devices that are not necessarily connected to the vehicle to capture engine-use data. They may include global positioning system (GPS) capability to capture vehicle movement and location, but do not need to meet the ELD standards.

A key consideration with non-ELD digital logs is the ability to print or display logs for inspection. Officers may be unwilling to accept a driver’s laptop or smartphone application in place of a paper log. They are also not required to accept e-mailed logs from a driver’s device, though some officers may allow or request that.

If a driver is using logging software that is NOT part of a compliant ELD, then the logs may need to be printed for inspection, as indicated below:

Software TypeRequirements
Logging software that accepts an electronic signature
  • The electronic logs must include all the same items that are required on a paper log under 395.8, including a signature that meets the standards for an electronic signature in 390.32.
  • The driver must be able to produce logs for today plus the prior seven days for inspection.
  • Enforcement officers have the option — but are not required — to review the logs on the device’s screen.
  • If an enforcement official requests paper copies of the logs, the driver must be able to print the logs for inspection.
  • The motor carrier may retain the electronic logs for six months, rather than paper logs, although they may need to be printed later for inspection or auditing.
Logging software that does NOT accept an electronic signature
  • The electronic logs must include all the same items that are required on a paper log under 395.8, minus the signature.
  • The driver must print each log onto paper at the end of each day and sign it.
  • The driver must be able to present the signed paper logs for today plus the prior seven days for inspection. The driver should be given an opportunity to print and manually sign the current day’s log at the time of the inspection.
  • The printed and signed logs must be retained for six months.

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