FMCSA Alert:
4 ELDs You Need to Replace Before September 21st

FMCSA Removes Four More ELDs You Need to Replace

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has removed four electronic logging devices (ELDs) from its list of approved devices. The affected ELDs are CTE-LOG ELD, ELD VOLT, PowerTrucks ELD, and TFM ELD. These devices failed to meet the minimum requirements set by federal regulations. The removal took effect on July 23, 2024, and impacts carriers and owner-operators using these devices.

Reasons for Removal

The FMCSA revoked these ELDs because they did not comply with the standards in 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, appendix A. These standards require that the ELD display can be viewed by authorized safety officials without them entering the commercial motor vehicle. The FMCSA said non-compliance with these rules makes the ELDs unreliable for monitoring hours of service (HOS).

Implications for Motor Carriers

Carriers and owner-operators using the revoked ELDs must act quickly. They need to stop using these devices and switch to paper logs or logging software for recording HOS data. They must also replace the revoked ELDs with compliant ones from the FMCSA’s Registered Devices list by September 21, 2024.

During the grace period from July 23 to September 21, safety officials should not cite drivers using these revoked ELDs for not having a record of duty status or failing to use a registered ELD. Instead, officers should check the driver’s paper logs or logging software as a backup to review HOS data.

Steps for Compliance

Motor carriers have until September 21 to install compliant ELDs. If the ELD providers fix the issues, the FMCSA will add these ELDs back to the list of registered devices and inform the industry. However, motor carriers are encouraged to replace the revoked devices immediately to avoid any compliance issues.

If carriers do not replace the revoked ELDs by the deadline, they will be considered as operating without an ELD. Safety officials who find drivers using revoked devices after September 21 should cite violations and place the driver out-of-service.

Industry Reaction

A representative from TFM ELD said the company is working to fix the issues and expects the TFM ELD to be reinstated soon. The other three companies have not responded.

The removal of these ELDs has started a discussion about the FMCSA’s self-certification process for ELDs. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has called for a comprehensive certification process, saying that the current system has allowed many non-compliant devices to be listed. OOIDA believes a more rigorous process would reduce the number of non-compliant devices and lower costs for motor carriers.

Historical Context and Current Status

The FMCSA has revoked 11 ELDs this year for similar reasons. Earlier, the agency removed five ELDs in February and another two in May, with only one of those devices being reinstated after fixes were made.

Currently, there are 983 devices on the Registered ELDs list. These devices are self-certified by their manufacturers as being compliant with federal regulations. However, the lack of strict oversight has raised concerns among carriers about the reliability and compliance of these self-certified devices.

The FMCSA also allows ELD manufacturers to self-revoke non-compliant devices. Currently, there are 217 ELDs on the revoked list, with 26 added by the FMCSA and the remaining 191 devices carrying a status of “self-revoked.”

Moving Forward

The FMCSA’s recent actions highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring reliable and compliant ELDs. Motor carriers should stay informed about updates to the list of registered devices and take proactive steps to ensure their ELDs are compliant. This will help avoid disruptions in operations and ensure adherence to federal regulations governing hours of service.

For further details and updates, carriers can refer to the FMCSA’s official website or contact the agency directly. Acting on these non-compliant ELDs you need to replace will help carriers maintain compliance and avoid penalties as the September 21 deadline approaches.