HERO ELD No Longer Approved by FMCSA

FMCSA Removes HERO ELD From Approved Device List

FMCSA Removes HERO ELD From Registered Devices List

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has removed the HERO ELD from its list of registered electronic logging devices, citing failure to meet federal requirements. The announcement was made on April 2, 2026, as part of the agency’s ongoing effort to enforce compliance within the ELD program.

According to FMCSA, the HERO ELD—produced by HERO ELD INC—did not meet the minimum technical standards required under federal regulations for ELDs.

Officials stated that devices that fail to meet these standards will be removed to protect the integrity of the system and improve roadway safety.

What This Means for Truck Drivers Using HERO ELD

Motor carriers and drivers currently using the HERO ELD must stop using the device and transition to a compliant system. FMCSA has given carriers a 60-day deadline to make the switch.

Drivers are instructed to:

• Stop using the revoked ELD
• Use paper logs or logging software temporarily
• Replace the device with a compliant ELD

The deadline to complete this transition is June 2, 2026.

Until that date, enforcement officers are advised not to issue citations solely for using the revoked device, provided drivers can provide valid hours-of-service records.

Out-of-Service Risk After June 2

After the compliance deadline passes, the situation changes significantly.

Beginning June 2, 2026, any driver still using the HERO ELD will be considered out of compliance with federal hours-of-service rules.

At that point:

• Drivers may be cited for failing to maintain proper records
• Carriers may face violations for not using a registered ELD
• Drivers can be placed out of service (OOS) during inspections

This means that failing to replace the device on time could lead to immediate operational disruptions.

FMCSA Continues Crackdown After HERO ELD Removal

The removal of HERO ELD is part of a larger trend. FMCSA has been increasing enforcement against non-compliant devices in recent months.

Since January 2025, the agency has removed more than 56 devices from its registered list for failing to meet federal standards.

In March 2026 alone, multiple devices were also revoked, showing that the agency is actively reviewing and updating its approved list.

Other ELD Removals Highlight Ongoing FMCSA Enforcement

January 2, 2026: Four Devices Revoked

In one of the earlier actions this year, FMCSA removed four ELDs after determining they did not meet federal requirements. The revoked devices included:

• AllwaysTrack
• Command Alkon Trackit
• ELDX
• Gorilla Safety Compact ELD

February 12: Nine Devices No Longer Approved

• Blue Ink Tech ELD (older versions affected)
• ELD Mandate
• HCSS ELD
• KeepTruckin ELD (non-compliant variants)
• Simplex ELD
• Trucker Path ELD (specific versions)
• and other associated non-compliant systems

March 4: 14 Devices Taken Off the List

Why ELD Compliance Matters

Electronic logging devices play a key role in tracking a driver’s hours of service (HOS). These devices automatically record driving time, engine hours, and other data to help ensure compliance with federal safety rules.

When an ELD fails to meet federal standards, it can lead to inaccurate records. This can create compliance risks for both drivers and carriers, especially during roadside inspections or audits.

Because of this, FMCSA continues to remove devices that do not meet the required specifications.

What Carriers Should Do Next

FMCSA is encouraging carriers to act quickly to avoid compliance issues. Even though the provider may correct the device in the future, there is no guarantee that the HERO ELD will be reinstated.

Carriers should:

• Review their current ELD systems
• Confirm whether their device is still compliant
• Begin replacement planning immediately if needed

Taking early action can help avoid fines, violations, or disruptions once enforcement begins.

Industry Impact and Ongoing Oversight

The continued removal of non-compliant ELDs highlights ongoing concerns within the trucking industry about device reliability and certification.

FMCSA has stated that it will continue reviewing devices and removing those that fail to meet standards. This approach is aimed at strengthening trust in the ELD system and ensuring consistent enforcement across the industry.

For truck drivers and fleet operators, the update serves as another reminder that compliance with ELD regulations remains a critical part of daily operations.