FMCSA ELD Removal: What You Need To Know

FMCSA Revokes Two ELDs from Official Registered List

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced the ELD removal of two electronic logging devices from its list of registered and self-certified systems. As of July 31, 2025, the WALKER ELD and SR ELD no longer meet the agency’s technical standards and must be replaced within 60 days to stay compliant.

Why the ELD Removal Happened

According to the FMCSA, the ELD removal occurred because both devices failed to meet the minimum performance and design requirements outlined in 49 CFR Part 395, Subpart B, Appendix A. These standards ensure that ELDs accurately record hours of service and are accessible for inspection by enforcement officers. When devices fall short, the FMCSA has the authority to remove them from the official list.

What to Do After an ELD Removal

Motor carriers using the WALKER ELD or SR ELD must act quickly. As of the removal date, July 31, those devices are no longer considered compliant. Carriers now have until September 29, 2025, to:

• Discontinue use of the revoked ELDs
• Switch to paper logs or logging software temporarily
• Install a registered, compliant ELD from FMCSA’s approved list

This 60-day window gives carriers time to transition without immediate penalties.

Temporary Grace Period Before Full Enforcement

During the transition period, the FMCSA encourages safety officials not to cite drivers using a revoked device for violations under:

• 395.8(a)(1) — No record of duty status
• 395.22(a) — Failing to use a registered ELD

Instead, drivers should be prepared to show paper logs or data from their backup systems. However, this temporary allowance expires on September 29, 2025. After that date, using a revoked ELD will be treated as if the driver has no ELD at all.

Consequences of Ignoring the ELD Removal

After the September 29 deadline, continued use of the WALKER or SR ELD may result in:

• Citations for non-compliance
• Possible out-of-service (OOS) orders under CVSA guidelines

At that point, inspectors will no longer accept paper logs as a substitute unless there’s an emergency.

Could the Devices Return to the List?

The FMCSA has stated that if the manufacturers of the WALKER and SR ELDs correct the compliance issues, the agency may reinstate the devices. If that happens, FMCSA will issue a notice confirming the reinstatement and update the online list of registered ELDs.

Until then, these devices are considered non-compliant and cannot be used to meet federal logging requirements.

Past ELD Removals Show a Pattern

This isn’t the first time FMCSA has taken enforcement action. Previous ELD removals include:

• December 2024: Mountain ELD and XELD removed
• August 2024: BLUE STAR and RELIABLE ELDs removed

Each removal followed the same process—an announcement, a 60-day grace period, and then full enforcement. The increasing number of ELD removals shows FMCSA’s growing focus on ensuring reliability and standardization across all logging devices used in the trucking industry.

How to Stay Compliant Amid ELD Removal Actions

To avoid issues related to this and future ELD removals, motor carriers should:

• Regularly check FMCSA’s ELD list for updates
• Audit their fleet’s devices to ensure continued compliance
• Educate drivers about how to switch to paper logs during a removal period
• Act quickly when an ELD removal is announced to avoid last-minute disruptions

A proactive approach can save fleets from fines, downtime, and regulatory trouble.

Final Thoughts on the ELD Removal

The FMCSA’s latest ELD removal highlights the importance of choosing reliable and compliant logging systems. For carriers, the message is clear: if a device is removed from the approved list, fast action is needed to stay compliant and avoid enforcement issues. As more ELDs face scrutiny, staying informed and ready to adapt will be critical for success in today’s regulated trucking environment.