An electronic logging device (ELD) is a device or technology that automatically records a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver’s driving time and aids in the accurate recording of the driver’s hours of service, replacing the need for paper records of duty status (RODS or “logs”). To be considered an ELD, the device must comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 395, Subpart B, particularly the technical specifications in Appendix A.

Federal regulations for ELDs were published December 16, 2015, with an effective date of February 16, 2016, and a compliance deadline of December 18, 2017. Under those rules, motor carriers and drivers may only use ELDs that are registered and self-certified with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and listed on the agency’s website at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/devices.