Exemptions continue for yard moves, portable ELDs
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has renewed an exemption that makes life a bit easier for drivers using electronic logging devices (ELDs).
Under the exemption, ELD users are allowed to:
- Remain in the “yard move” status even if they power off their vehicle; and
- Log in and out of the system while away from their vehicle, when using a portable ELD.
The exemption was first issued in 2017 and was due to expire in October 2022. The FMCSA has now extended it through October 21, 2027.
Yard moves
The “yard moves” setting on an ELD allows drivers to record their driving time as “on duty/not driving” when operating in a restricted area. Normally, an ELD user must re-enter the yard move status whenever they power their vehicle off and on again. This can mean a lot of time wasted on the ELD for someone who is constantly dropping and hooking trailers.
Under the exemption, motor carriers have the option to configure their ELDs so that drivers can remain in the “yard move” status through a cycling of engine power. However, the ELD must switch from “yard move” to “driving” if:
- The driver manually switches to “driving” mode,
- The vehicle exceeds 20 mph, or
- The vehicle exits a geo-fenced facility.
Portable ELDs
Under the ELD rules, when a driver logs in and out or changes duty status, the ELD must automatically record certain data about the vehicle, such as vehicle number, miles, and engine hours. But what if the driver performs those actions while away from the vehicle, using a portable ELD?
The exemption addresses that issue. It says drivers who use portable ELDs are exempt from the automatic data-recording requirements if the driver is not in the vehicle, as long as they log in/out and record their duty status changes accurately.
Crash reporting
Both exemptions come with a crash reporting obligation. If one of your drivers is involved in a DOT-recordable crash while using either exemption, certain details must be emailed to the FMCSA within five days. This includes any crash defined as an “accident” under 49 CFR 390.5.
Details about what must be reported are available in the FMCSA’s exemption notice, which must be carried in the vehicle. The notice is available online at https://bit.ly/3sxMKq1.
Key to remember: An ELD-related exemption from the FMCSA will remain in place until October 2027. It applies to drivers doing yard moves and/or using portable ELDs, and drivers must carry a copy of the exemption notice in their vehicles.