Top ELD exemptions
While FMCSA mandates FMCSA-registered ELDs for most non-exempt drivers, certain circumstances grant exemptions from this rule. In such cases, drivers may opt for alternative methods to document their Hours of Service (HOS) but must maintain appropriate documentation justifying their exemption from the ELD mandate.
Recaping the ELD mandate and compliance
The ELD mandate is a U.S. Federal Regulation compelling most commercial motor vehicle drivers to install FMCSA-registered ELDs for recording Hours of Service (HOS) and relevant data. Its primary aim is enhancing road safety by rigorously enforcing HOS rules and mitigating driver fatigue. To achieve ELD compliance, a system must align with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) ELD mandate. Despite this, certain drivers may qualify for exemptions from the mandate, rendering a compliant ELD solution unnecessary.
Who is exempt from ELD regulations?
There are specific exemptions to the ELD rule:
- Drivers engaged in short-haul operations, both CDL and non-CDL vehicles, are exempt and do not need to maintain records of duty status (RODS). Instead, time cards can be utilized in lieu of an ELD.
- Certain driveway-towaway operations are exempt, particularly when the driven vehicle is part of the delivered shipment or when transporting a motorhome or recreational vehicle trailer.
- Drivers who maintain RODS for eight days or fewer within a 30-day rolling period, along with occasional longer trips for short-haul drivers. However, exceeding the short-haul exemption more than eight times in a 30-day period necessitates ELD usage for the remainder of the cycle.
- Drivers operating motor vehicles manufactured before the year 2000 are also exempt from the ELD rule.