Drowsy driving accounts for over 91,000 crashes per year with 50,000 injuries and 800 deaths. Many of these accidents involve commercial vehicle drivers who’ve been pushed to their limit. ELD systems are one of the best tools to prevent this because they keep a record of how long drivers have been on the road. They’ve since become a legal requirement for all fleets. Read on to learn more about ELD compliance and the benefits it provides.

What Is the ELD Mandate?

The first record-keeping law for commercial vehicles was passed in 1937 and required them to keep paper logs. They were later replaced with OBRD or Automatic On-Board Recording Device. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century bill was enacted in 2012 to improve CMV safety. That eventually evolved into the ELD mandate which began in 2016. By December 16, 2019, the law required all CMV drivers or vehicles that weighed over 10,001 pounds, had placarded hazmat loads, or were carrying 8-15 passengers to install an FMCSA-registered ELD. The only exceptions are drivers who:
  • Aren’t required to keep RODS
  • Are subject to a short-haul exception
  • Conduct a drive-away-tow-away operation
  • Drive vehicles before model year 2000
  • Are non-CDL freight drivers
Failing to follow these regulations leads to serious legal and financial consequences. Checking the laws is an important way to protect yourself and your fleet.

What Is an ELD System?

An ELD or electronic logging device goes on commercial vehicles to keep and display HOS or hours of service records. It sends the information to fleet management software. A compliant ELD must:
  • Be on the FMCASA’s ELD registry
  • Connect to the engine
  • Record the vehicle’s motion
  • Provide secure data transfers
  • Display RODS outside of the vehicle
  • Let the driver log and select duty statuses
  • Support automatic capture
Installing these systems is the first step in ELD compliance. You also need to take steps such as maintaining records, giving all drivers a copy of FMCSA rules, using DOT registration numbers, doing random drug tests, and creating maintenance programs.

Why Is ELD Compliance Important?

Full fleet compliance with ELD regulations is becoming more common. 81% of fleets with over 250 trucks have achieved full implementation. 33% of smaller fleets have done the same. The process takes time and money to get the proper system for every vehicle. At the same time, it’s a worthwhile investment with several benefits. ELDs are an important tool to exonerate drivers after an accident. They provide video proof of who was at fault and help any court cases go your way. ELD tracking keeps your drivers accountable for their behavior. They’re more likely to drive safely and efficiently when they know that there’s a record of their behavior to look back on. Safer driving means lower insurance premiums. You’ll also save time you would have wasted on paper record-keeping.

Where Can I Get an ELD System?

ELD compliance requires installing ELD systems on all commercial vehicles. They keep a record of where the driver’s been and for how long. The benefits of these systems extend beyond avoiding financial and legal penalties. They also keep your drivers safe and make them more efficient, saving you time and money. TrackNet Online has all the fleet tracking technology you need. Contact us to get an ELD-compliant system today.