Four More ELDs Removed from FMCSA Approved List

FMCSA: Four ELDs Removed from Approved List: Compliance Steps for Carriers

On December 11th, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) removed four electronic logging devices (ELDs) from its list of approved devices. The decision affects carriers using these devices and highlights compliance challenges within the trucking industry.

The following ELDs are now on the revoked list:

• COLUMBUS ELD (Model Number: C-US)
• MasterELD (Three Model Numbers: MELD02, MELD03, MELD04)

The FMCSA stated that these devices failed to meet the technical standards outlined in 49 CFR part 395, subpart B, appendix A. These regulations specify how ELDs must function to comply with federal laws.

What Motor Carriers Need to Do if Using Removed ELDs

The FMCSA has given carriers 60 days to address the issue. If you use one of the revoked ELDs, you must take action now to remain compliant. Here are the steps required:

1. Stop Using the Revoked Devices: Immediately stop relying on the affected devices.
2. Use Paper Logs or Logging Software: For now, drivers can record their hours of service (HOS) using manual logs or approved software.
3. Install a Compliant ELD: Choose a new device from the FMCSA’s list of registered devices. Make sure this is completed by February 9, 2025.

Temporary Enforcement Policy

During this 60-day grace period, FMCSA has issued special instructions to safety officials. Drivers using the revoked devices should not be penalized for violations like:

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

Instead, safety officials will review the driver’s paper logs or data from logging software. They may also use the revoked ELD’s display as a backup to check HOS information.

This temporary policy ensures carriers have time to switch to approved devices. It also reduces the risk of disruptions for drivers during the transition period.

Deadline for Compliance

Starting February 9, 2025, the FMCSA will consider carriers using these revoked devices to be operating without an ELD. This will result in serious consequences, including:

• Drivers being cited for violations under 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1).
• Drivers being placed out of service according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Out-of-Service Criteria.

Carriers are strongly encouraged to replace the revoked devices as soon as possible. Acting quickly will help you avoid potential penalties and downtime.

Concerns with ELD Certification

This situation highlights ongoing challenges with ELD compliance. Currently, there are 1,046 devices on FMCSA’s list of approved ELDs. All of these devices are self-certified by their manufacturers. The FMCSA does not independently test or verify compliance before approval.

There are also 246 revoked devices on the FMCSA list. Of these, 211 devices were self-revoked by the manufacturers. The remaining 35 devices, including the four revoked this week, were removed by FMCSA.

FMCSA’s Advice to Carriers

The FMCSA acknowledges that some ELDs removed may return to the approved list. This will only happen if the manufacturers fix the problems and meet all requirements. However, FMCSA notes that this process is rare. Of the 18 devices revoked earlier this year, only one has been reinstated.

For this reason, the FMCSA strongly advises carriers not to wait. Switching to a compliant ELD now will help you avoid compliance problems, especially if the issues with these devices are not resolved.

Ensuring Compliance

To ensure compliance, carriers should take the following steps:

• Review the FMCSA Registered ELD List: Make sure your devices are still approved.
• Act Proactively: Begin replacing revoked ELDs as soon as possible.
• Choose Reliable Providers: Work with ELD manufacturers that offer strong technical support and proven compliance.

Taking these actions will help you maintain operations without interruptions.

For more information, visit FMCSA’s official ELD website.