MileIQ: Mileage Tracker & Log

MileIQ Inc.

GET — On the App Store

Taxes

What is an Electronic Logging Device (ELD)?

Marin Perez

April 17, 2019

An electronic logging device (ELD) is critical for many businesses to stay in compliance with federal regulations. Let's dive into what you should know about an ELD.

What is an electronic logging device (ELD)?

An ELD connects to a vehicle's engine to record driving hours. It has a screen for drivers to see their status, as well as the ability to print hour logs for Department of Transportation (DOT) inspectors.

What is the ELD mandate?

The Department of Transportation requires you have an ELD if you're a commercial driver who has to prepare hours-of-service (HOS) records of duty status (RODS). Previously, paper logs were used to record service activity. The goal of an ELD is to make this tedious process more accurate and automated.

What does the ELD rule do?

The ELD rule:

Requires the use of an ELD for specific commercial drivers
Sets what supporting documents carriers and drivers must keep
Sets the standards and requirements for how ELDs can be certified and registered with the FMCSA
Provides recourse for drivers who think ELD-related data is inaccurate
Prohibits harassment of drivers based on ELD data or other technology like fleet-management software

Who is exempt from using an ELD?

Here are some exceptions to the ELD rule:

Drivers of vehicles manufactured before 2000
Workers who drive under short-haul exceptions may use timecards
Drivers who keep manual RODs for not more than eight days out of every 30-day period
Operators who have drive-away-tow-away businesses

What's the difference between an ELD and AOBRD or EOBR?

You may hear about devices called Automatic On-Board Recorders or Electronic On-Board Recorders. These terms can often be used interchangeably with "ELD," but there are specific differences.

These differences matter when it comes to the ELD rule. So, make sure your device complies with the FMCSA ELD requirements.

Can I use apps like MileIQ as an ELD?

Unfortunately, no. MileIQ currently doesn't satisfy the requirements of an ELD.

Still tracking miles by hand?

Use MileIQ to automatically keep a full, IRS friendly mileage log.

Get Started

MileIQ: Mileage Tracker & Log

MileIQ Inc.

GET — On the App Store

An electronic logging device (ELD) is critical for many businesses to stay in compliance with federal regulations. Let's dive into what you should know about an ELD.

What is an electronic logging device (ELD)?

An ELD connects to a vehicle's engine to record driving hours. It has a screen for drivers to see their status, as well as the ability to print hour logs for Department of Transportation (DOT) inspectors.

What is the ELD mandate?

The Department of Transportation requires you have an ELD if you're a commercial driver who has to prepare hours-of-service (HOS) records of duty status (RODS). Previously, paper logs were used to record service activity. The goal of an ELD is to make this tedious process more accurate and automated.

What does the ELD rule do?

The ELD rule:

Requires the use of an ELD for specific commercial drivers
Sets what supporting documents carriers and drivers must keep
Sets the standards and requirements for how ELDs can be certified and registered with the FMCSA
Provides recourse for drivers who think ELD-related data is inaccurate
Prohibits harassment of drivers based on ELD data or other technology like fleet-management software

Who is exempt from using an ELD?

Here are some exceptions to the ELD rule:

Drivers of vehicles manufactured before 2000
Workers who drive under short-haul exceptions may use timecards
Drivers who keep manual RODs for not more than eight days out of every 30-day period
Operators who have drive-away-tow-away businesses

What's the difference between an ELD and AOBRD or EOBR?

You may hear about devices called Automatic On-Board Recorders or Electronic On-Board Recorders. These terms can often be used interchangeably with "ELD," but there are specific differences.

These differences matter when it comes to the ELD rule. So, make sure your device complies with the FMCSA ELD requirements.

Can I use apps like MileIQ as an ELD?

Unfortunately, no. MileIQ currently doesn't satisfy the requirements of an ELD.

Get started for free