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ELD Compliance for Trucking Companies — FMCSA-Registered ELDs, HOS Rules, and Audit Readiness
Compare ELD compliance solutions for trucking companies. FMCSA-registered devices, HOS tracking, DVIR workflows, and IFTA reporting for carriers of all sizes.
Most trucking carriers know they need an ELD. The problem is picking the wrong one — a device that claims FMCSA compliance but is not on the registered list, or cheap hardware that fails during a roadside inspection and triggers the same out-of-service as running no ELD at all. This page covers how to verify registration status, what to demand from an ELD before signing a contract, and how to turn compliance from a cost center into an operational tool.
Last reviewed Aug 13, 2026
How do you evaluate ELD compliance for trucking companies?
The single most important verification in ELD selection is confirming the device is on the FMCSA's registered ELD list at eld.fmcsa.dot.gov. Vendors can claim 'ELD compliance' without being registered — which means drivers using unregistered devices face the same out-of-service risk as those running no ELD at all. Check the registration list directly, not just the vendor's marketing materials. As of 2026, over 700 devices are registered; the major trucking platforms (Motive, Samsara, Geotab Drive, Verizon Connect, Omnitracs) are all on it.
HOS violation prevention is where ELD compliance pays off beyond regulatory risk. Modern ELD platforms calculate remaining drive time in real-time and alert dispatch before a driver runs out of hours mid-delivery. This allows dispatchers to reassign loads, route drivers to nearby rest areas, or split deliveries before an HOS violation occurs. Carriers using ELD-integrated dispatch report 60-75% reduction in HOS violations compared to paper log operations — not just because records are more accurate, but because prevention workflows replace reactive compliance.
Roadside inspection mode is a required ELD feature that many carriers overlook during evaluation. When stopped by a DOT inspector, the driver must be able to transfer ELD data to the inspector via Bluetooth, USB, telematics, or web services within minutes. Verify that your ELD's roadside inspection workflow is straightforward for drivers — especially new drivers who may encounter an inspection before completing full training. A confusing inspection interface creates delays that inspectors note in their reports.
Driver Qualification file integration is the compliance layer beyond HOS that trucking fleets often manage separately — and inefficiently. FMCSA requires carriers to maintain DQ files for every CDL driver including MVR, medical certificate, CDL, PSP report, and drug test records. Platforms like Motive and Samsara now offer DQ file management with automated expiration alerts. If your ELD vendor does not include this, factor the cost of a separate compliance management tool into your comparison.
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Pricing guidance
ELD for trucking carriers runs $15-35/truck/month standalone or $35-50/truck/month bundled with GPS tracking. Hardware is $100-300/truck for ELD units and tablet mounts (often subsidized to $0 on 2-3 year contracts). For a 30-truck carrier: $450-1,050/month standalone ELD or $1,050-1,500/month bundled with GPS. IFTA reporting and DVIR are standard features — do not pay extra for them. Factor in 2-3 year contract terms for major vendors; month-to-month adds 20-30% to the per-truck rate.
How does each platform serve trucking fleets?
Here's how each leading platform performs specifically for trucking fleet operations.
Samsara
Samsara is one of the most widely adopted FMCSA-registered ELD platforms among long-haul trucking carriers. It handles the full 11-hour driving rule, sleeper berth split provisions, and 70-hour/8-day cycle limits without configuration work on the dispatcher side. AI-powered dashcams are tightly integrated with HOS records, so safety managers can correlate a harsh-braking event with the driver's remaining hours in a single view. DVIR workflows feed defects directly into maintenance work orders, and IFTA mileage is calculated automatically from GPS data. Roadside inspection mode delivers data transfer via Bluetooth or telematics in under two minutes. Pricing runs $45-55/truck/month bundled with GPS tracking — justified for carriers prioritizing compliance plus safety analytics.
Motive
Motive (formerly KeepTruckin) is the most widely used ELD among trucking companies under 200 trucks. Its FMCSA-registered ELD handles property carrier HOS with clean driver-facing workflows — drivers accept pre-trip inspection prompts, log duty status with one tap, and transfer data to roadside inspectors without dispatcher intervention. IFTA reporting is automated from GPS-verified mileage, eliminating manual state-by-state mileage logs. The Motive Card (fleet fuel card) integrates with the ELD platform for driver expense and IFTA reconciliation in one dashboard. Driver Qualification file management with automated expiration alerts covers MVR, medical certificates, and CDL renewals. Pricing starts at $35-45/truck/month bundled — competitive across small-to-mid carriers.
Geotab
Geotab via reseller is the dominant ELD solution among trucking fleets over 150 vehicles that need deep compliance analytics and custom HOS reporting. Geotab Drive is FMCSA-registered and handles all property carrier HOS rule sets including 100 air-mile and 150 air-mile short-haul exemptions. The MyGeotab back office provides carrier-level compliance dashboards with hours-available-to-drive forecasts, helping dispatch avoid assigning loads that would force HOS violations en route. IFTA reporting and IRP mileage allocation are automated from GPS data. The open SDK allows large trucking carriers to integrate Geotab compliance data with TMS and ERP systems. Pricing is reseller-dependent, typically $25-45/truck/month.
Verizon Connect
Verizon Connect Reveal serves trucking fleets that want FMCSA-registered ELD compliance backed by enterprise-grade infrastructure and carrier-level support SLAs. Its Networkfleet ELD handles standard property carrier HOS rules including 11-hour driving, 14-hour windows, and 34-hour restarts. DVIR is built-in with defect escalation to maintenance staff, and IFTA mileage reporting is GPS-automated. For larger trucking carriers with existing Verizon enterprise agreements, bundling fleet management with cellular service can reduce total cost. The back-office compliance dashboard shows active violations, hours-remaining alerts, and unassigned driving events for safety managers. Pricing runs $40-55/truck/month — premium tier, best suited for carriers over 50 trucks prioritizing uptime reliability.
Teletrac Navman
Teletrac Navman is a strong ELD option for regional trucking carriers who need FMCSA-registered HOS compliance combined with load-to-driver dispatch coordination. Its DIRECTOR platform provides real-time hours-remaining visibility alongside vehicle location, so dispatchers can assign next loads without manually calculating driver availability windows. The ELD handles standard 11-hour driving, 14-hour windows, and sleeper berth split provisions for over-the-road operations. DVIR integrates into the vehicle inspection workflow, and IFTA mileage reporting is generated automatically. Teletrac Navman's Australian roots translate to strong customer support responsiveness outside standard US business hours — useful for 24/7 dispatch operations. Pricing runs $30-45/truck/month for full ELD with GPS.
Fleet Complete
Fleet Complete provides FMCSA-registered ELD compliance for trucking carriers that want a straightforward platform without enterprise complexity. Its Hub ELD app handles property carrier HOS rule sets for CDL drivers, generates roadside-transfer-ready records, and sends HOS violation warnings to dispatch before drivers run out of hours. DVIR documentation is digitized with photo capture for pre- and post-trip inspections. IFTA mileage reporting is automated from GPS trip data. Fleet Complete's asset tracking extends to trailers and equipment alongside power units — useful for trucking carriers managing a trailer pool alongside tractors. Pricing runs $25-35/truck/month, placing it below the Samsara/Motive tier while covering core ELD requirements for small-to-mid carriers.
Azuga
Azuga is a cost-competitive ELD and GPS platform for small trucking carriers — typically 5-50 trucks — that need FMCSA-registered compliance without enterprise pricing. Its ELD handles core property carrier HOS rules, automates IFTA mileage by state, and supports roadside inspection data transfer via Bluetooth or web services. The driver safety scoring integrated with ELD data gives small carrier owner-operators visibility into speeding, hard braking, and sharp cornering events that insurance carriers increasingly monitor. Gamified driver safety incentives are built in — meaningful for carriers trying to reduce insurance costs alongside compliance burden. Azuga FleetMobile handles DVIR with electronic signature capture. Pricing starts at $25-30/truck/month bundled with GPS, attractive for tight-margin small carriers.
GPS Insight
GPS Insight offers FMCSA-registered ELD for trucking fleets that also need robust asset tracking for trailers, reefer units, and non-powered equipment alongside their tractors. Its ELD handles standard property carrier HOS including 11-hour driving, 14-hour windows, and sleeper berth splits, with HOS alerts pushed to dispatch before violations occur. DVIR workflows support photo documentation and are configurable for different truck types. IFTA mileage reporting is automated from GPS state-crossing records. GPS Insight's strength for trucking carriers is the breadth of asset types it tracks under one platform — power units, trailers, and temperature-controlled trailers can all be monitored in a single dispatch view. Pricing runs $25-40/truck/month for full ELD.
Spireon
Spireon's FleetLocate platform is built for trucking carriers managing both tractors and trailers, making it a natural fit for carriers where trailer visibility is as operationally critical as driver HOS compliance. Its FMCSA-registered ELD handles property carrier HOS rules for CDL drivers, with real-time hours-remaining displayed in the dispatch dashboard. Spireon's trailer tracking — including cargo sensors, door sensors, and reefer temperature monitoring — integrates alongside tractor ELD data, giving dispatch a unified asset picture. DVIR, IFTA mileage, and roadside inspection data transfer are included. For dry van and refrigerated carriers where trailer utilization is a revenue driver, Spireon's tractor-plus-trailer platform reduces the need for separate asset tracking subscriptions. Pricing runs $30-45/truck/month.
BigRoad (by Trimble)
BigRoad by Trimble is the entry-level ELD choice for small trucking carriers and owner-operators who need FMCSA-registered HOS compliance at minimum cost. Its app-based ELD handles standard property carrier HOS rules, generates roadside-transferable records, and provides drivers with a clean daily log interface that does not require dispatcher training. IFTA mileage reporting is included. BigRoad integrates with Trimble's broader platform — owner-operators using Trimble Maps or PeopleNet can connect log data across systems. For small carriers or single-truck owner-operators prioritizing low monthly cost over feature breadth, BigRoad's $10-20/truck/month pricing is the most affordable FMCSA-registered option in the market. Limitations include thin back-office analytics and no native DVIR workflow.
Which ELD compliance platforms suit trucking companies?
28 platforms reviewed with pricing, deployment details, and editorial verdicts. Each profile includes a full review.
Samsara
#2Connected operations platform for fleet tracking, safety, and compliance.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, basic reporting, geofencingCloudFree trial
Fleet management with strong compliance and safety features for commercial fleets.
Per vehicleGPS tracking and basic fleet managementCloudFree trial
Azuga
#4Simple, affordable GPS fleet tracking with driver rewards and safety features.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, geofencing, trip history, basic reportingCloudFree trial
CalAmp
#5CalAmp is a telematics hardware manufacturer and fleet management software provider known for its LMU and TTU device families and the CalAmp iOn cloud platform. With roots in OEM telematics hardware, CalAmp serves fleet operators, construction companies, and asset-heavy industries. We tested the iOn platform, analyzed real user feedback from G2 and Capterra, evaluated their hardware lineup, and compared CalAmp against leading competitors to deliver this comprehensive review.
Quote only — no pricing page publishedVaries by features and fleet size
ClearPathGPS is an 8.1/10-rated GPS fleet tracking platform best suited for small-to-mid-size field service, construction, and trade fleets that want reliable tracking with transparent pricing and exceptional customer support. At ~$20/vehicle/month with no contracts and a 14-day free trial, it offers real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, driver behavior monitoring, and maintenance alerts — making it the top choice for service-based businesses that value simplicity and responsive US-based support o
Quote-led per vehicle; no long-term contract advertisedReal-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, driver behavior, reportingFree trial
Fleet Complete (now Powerfleet) is a Canadian-born fleet management platform serving 30,000+ customers across North America. We tested its GPS tracking, AI dash cameras, ELD compliance tools, and asset tracking for 90 days to see how it stacks up against Geotab, Samsara, and other top players.
Quote-only; no public per-vehicle rateGPS tracking, geofences, basic reporting. 36-month contract. Best for basic location tracking.
Motive
#8AI-powered fleet management with ELD, dashcams, and spend management.
Per vehicleELD, GPS tracking, basic reportingCloudFree trial
Geotab
#9Open-platform telematics with advanced data analytics for fleet optimization.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, engine diagnostics, basic reportingCloudFree trial
GPS Trackit
#10Budget-friendly fleet tracking with flexible hardware options.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, geofencing, alertsCloudFree trial
IntelliShift
#11IntelliShift is a 7.9/10-rated fleet intelligence platform best suited for mid-to-large mixed fleets in construction, utilities, and field service that need to unify data from multiple vehicle types and telematics sources. The platform aggregates connected vehicle data, AI safety scoring, compliance management, and maintenance insights into a single dashboard — making it the top choice for complex operations with diverse asset types, though its custom pricing and steeper learning curve favor lar
Quote only; no published price and no pricing pageConnected vehicle data, GPS tracking, basic safety scoring, reportingFree trial
Lytx
#12AI-powered video safety platform with the largest driving behavior database.
Per vehicleDual-facing camera, MV+AI, self-managed video reviewCloud
Netradyne
#13Netradyne is an 8.6/10-rated AI dash cam platform best suited for fleets that prioritize driver safety, video telematics, and positive behavior coaching. The Driveri camera uses four lenses and edge AI to provide 360-degree vision, real-time alerts, and GreenZone scoring that rewards safe driving — making it the top choice for safety-focused fleets, though it requires integration with a separate fleet management platform for GPS tracking and ELD compliance.
Quote only; no published price, tiers or billing unitAI alerts, GreenZone scoring, video cloud storage, driver coaching, analytics dashboard
Omnitracs
#14Omnitracs is a veteran fleet management platform now owned by Solera, built for long-haul trucking and enterprise carriers. With the Omnitracs One unified platform, it combines ELD compliance, route optimization, driver safety, and critical event video in a single ecosystem. We tested the platform, analyzed hundreds of user reviews, and compared it against modern competitors to determine whether Omnitracs still delivers value in 2026.
Quote only — no published rateNot published — quote only; no pricing page on omnitracs.com or fleet.solera.com
One Step GPS
#15One Step GPS is an 8.0/10-rated GPS fleet tracker best suited for small businesses and budget-conscious fleets that need reliable real-time tracking at the industry’s lowest price point. At ~$13.95/vehicle/month with no contracts, it delivers solid GPS tracking, geofencing, and driver behavior monitoring — making it the top choice for cost-conscious fleets that need visibility without paying for features they won’t use.
~$13.95/vehicle/mo (no contract)Real-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, trip history, driver reports
Rastrac
#16Rastrac is a 7.5/10-rated GPS fleet tracking and asset management platform best suited for small to mid-size fleets that need affordable real-time vehicle tracking, geofencing, driver behavior monitoring, fuel management, and maintenance alerts. Founded in 1993, Rastrac is one of the longest-running GPS tracking providers in the industry, offering solid core tracking features at competitive pricing — though it trails newer platforms like Samsara and Motive in advanced analytics, AI capabilities,
Contact for pricingReal-time tracking, geofencing, basic alerts
Simply Fleet
#17Simply Fleet is a 7.6/10-rated fleet maintenance app best suited for very small fleets, owner-operators, and individual vehicle owners who need basic maintenance tracking, fuel logging, and expense management without paying enterprise prices. With a free plan for one vehicle and Pro plans starting at ~$3/vehicle/month, it delivers solid maintenance reminders and fuel tracking — but lacks GPS tracking, telematics, and the advanced features that growing fleets eventually need.
Free plan; Essential $3/vehicle/mo, Advanced $5/vehicle/moUp to 5 vehicles — maintenance tracking, fuel logging, service remindersFree trial
GPS fleet tracking and fleet management for businesses of all sizes.
Per vehicleGPS tracking, geofencing, basic alertsCloudFree trial
Zonar Systems is a commercial fleet telematics provider known for its dominance in school bus and public transit fleet management. Now merged with GPS Trackit to form Zonar Ignition, the platform offers GPS tracking, EVIR electronic inspections, ELD compliance, and AI-powered dash cams. We tested the platform, analyzed 300+ user reviews, and compared it against market leaders to deliver this independent assessment.
Quote only — pricing page is a gated request formIncludes Zonar Logs, DVIR, Ground Traffic Control, HOS
Rhino Fleet Tracking is a 7.8/10-rated budget GPS fleet tracking platform best suited for small to mid-size fleets that need affordable real-time vehicle tracking, geofencing, maintenance alerts, and basic reporting without long-term contracts. It delivers solid core GPS tracking at low cost but lacks advanced telematics, dash cams, and ELD compliance features offered by larger platforms.
Contact for pricingStandard rate; all core features included
Trimble
#21Trimble Transportation is one of the most established names in enterprise fleet and transportation management. Born from acquisitions of TMW Systems, PeopleNet, and others, the platform now offers a cloud-native, AI-powered TMS alongside fleet maintenance, driver mobility, and real-time visibility tools. We evaluated the full Trimble Transportation ecosystem — testing its new AI-powered Trimble TMS, analyzing hundreds of user reviews, and comparing it against Omnitracs, Samsara, Motive, and Geot
Contact for pricing
Garmin eLog
#22Garmin eLog is a $249.99 one-time-purchase ELD with no subscription fee, registered by FMCSA for local transfer only — which makes it a strong owner-operator device and a poor fleet one.
$249.99 one-time, no subscriptionSold separately; price not published. Required for Volvo 16-pin J1962In-cab hardware paired to a phone, tablet or compatible dezl navigator
Transflo
#23Transflo is a document-workflow and compliance platform whose ELD now ships as Geotab hardware — Transflo-branded devices are no longer sold to new customers.
Quote-only; no published rateNot published; new orders ship Geotab GO devicesGeotab GO hardware with Transflo software, paired to a phone or tablet
TruckX
#24TruckX is a budget ELD with the largest driver review base in its segment, no published subscription price, and a documented FMCSA revocation from 2023 that was never reinstated.
Quote only — no pricing page publishedNot published — sensor hardware and service pricing not disclosed by the vendorBluetooth or wired ELD paired to a phone or tablet, or a bundled in-cab tablet
Optima ELD
#25Optima ELD is a genuinely FMCSA-registered ELD provider whose homepage advertises 'Contract-free' while its own Terms of Service set a default 12-month term that auto-renews annually.
Quote-only across all six product lines; no figures publishedNot published — quote onlyELD hardware paired to a phone or tablet, plus GPS, dashcam, dispatch and IFTA add-ons
Linxup
#26Linxup is an FMCSA-registered GPS, dashcam, asset-tracking and ELD vendor whose pricing page is quote-only and whose Terms require a specific cancellation form with a 31-day notice period.
Quote-only on the pricing page; hardware and one service rate published on a separate store$94.99 hardware (incl. first month) + $25/month servicePlug-in, wired, or JBUS GPS hardware, plus optional dashcams, asset trackers, and Apollo-branded ELD
RAM Tracking
#27RAM Tracking publishes real prices for its entry GPS, dashcam and job-management tiers, but its standard contract is structured as an equipment lease with a third-party finance company and a non-cancelable term.
Entry tiers and bundles published; upgrade tiers quote-only; standard contract may be an equipment lease$14.99/vehicle/monthGPS hardware, optional dashcams and ELD, plus a separate Klipboard job-management app
GPS Insight
#28GPS Insight rates well on Trustpilot and Capterra (4.5/5 on both), but its pricing page's own title tag promises a sub-$20 starting price the page content never shows, and its ELD marketing overstates FMCSA's role.
Quote-only; the pricing page's own title tag references a starting price the page content doesn't showNot published — page title tag references "Under $20" but content shows no figureGPS hardware plus AI dashcams, ELD (with 2025 Titan GPS-added Canadian compliance), and adjacent field-service/inspection apps
eld compliance software for trucking — side by side
Pricing, deployment, and trial availability for every platform reviewed. Click any row to read the full review.
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| Software | Pricing model | Starting price | Deployment | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fleetio | Per vehicle | $4/vehicle/month billed annually ($5 monthly) — vehicle records, maintenance, fuel tracking | Cloud | Yes |
| Samsara | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, basic reporting, geofencing | Cloud | Yes |
| Teletrac Navman | Per vehicle | GPS tracking and basic fleet management | Cloud | Yes |
| Azuga | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, geofencing, trip history, basic reporting | Cloud | Yes |
| CalAmp | Quote only — no pricing page published | Varies by features and fleet size | — | — |
| ClearPathGPS | Quote-led per vehicle; no long-term contract advertised | Real-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, driver behavior, reporting | — | Yes |
| Fleet Complete | Quote-only; no public per-vehicle rate | GPS tracking, geofences, basic reporting. 36-month contract. Best for basic location tracking. | — | — |
| Motive | Per vehicle | ELD, GPS tracking, basic reporting | Cloud | Yes |
| Geotab | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, engine diagnostics, basic reporting | Cloud | Yes |
| GPS Trackit | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, geofencing, alerts | Cloud | Yes |
| IntelliShift | Quote only; no published price and no pricing page | Connected vehicle data, GPS tracking, basic safety scoring, reporting | — | Yes |
| Lytx | Per vehicle | Dual-facing camera, MV+AI, self-managed video review | Cloud | — |
| Netradyne | Quote only; no published price, tiers or billing unit | AI alerts, GreenZone scoring, video cloud storage, driver coaching, analytics dashboard | — | — |
| Omnitracs | Quote only — no published rate | Not published — quote only; no pricing page on omnitracs.com or fleet.solera.com | — | — |
| One Step GPS | ~$13.95/vehicle/mo (no contract) | Real-time tracking, geofencing, alerts, trip history, driver reports | — | — |
| Rastrac | Contact for pricing | Real-time tracking, geofencing, basic alerts | — | — |
| Simply Fleet | Free plan; Essential $3/vehicle/mo, Advanced $5/vehicle/mo | Up to 5 vehicles — maintenance tracking, fuel logging, service reminders | — | Yes |
| Verizon Connect | Per vehicle | GPS tracking, geofencing, basic alerts | Cloud | Yes |
| Zonar Systems | Quote only — pricing page is a gated request form | Includes Zonar Logs, DVIR, Ground Traffic Control, HOS | — | — |
| Rhino Fleet Tracking | Contact for pricing | Standard rate; all core features included | — | — |
| Trimble | Contact for pricing | Custom quote | — | — |
| Garmin eLog | $249.99 one-time, no subscription | Sold separately; price not published. Required for Volvo 16-pin J1962 | In-cab hardware paired to a phone, tablet or compatible dezl navigator | — |
| Transflo | Quote-only; no published rate | Not published; new orders ship Geotab GO devices | Geotab GO hardware with Transflo software, paired to a phone or tablet | — |
| TruckX | Quote only — no pricing page published | Not published — sensor hardware and service pricing not disclosed by the vendor | Bluetooth or wired ELD paired to a phone or tablet, or a bundled in-cab tablet | — |
| Optima ELD | Quote-only across all six product lines; no figures published | Not published — quote only | ELD hardware paired to a phone or tablet, plus GPS, dashcam, dispatch and IFTA add-ons | — |
| Linxup | Quote-only on the pricing page; hardware and one service rate published on a separate store | $94.99 hardware (incl. first month) + $25/month service | Plug-in, wired, or JBUS GPS hardware, plus optional dashcams, asset trackers, and Apollo-branded ELD | — |
| RAM Tracking | Entry tiers and bundles published; upgrade tiers quote-only; standard contract may be an equipment lease | $14.99/vehicle/month | GPS hardware, optional dashcams and ELD, plus a separate Klipboard job-management app | — |
| GPS Insight | Quote-only; the pricing page's own title tag references a starting price the page content doesn't show | Not published — page title tag references "Under $20" but content shows no figure | GPS hardware plus AI dashcams, ELD (with 2025 Titan GPS-added Canadian compliance), and adjacent field-service/inspection apps | — |
Frequently asked questions about eld compliance for trucking fleets
What ELD do most trucking companies use?
Motive (formerly KeepTruckin) is the most widely adopted ELD among trucking companies under 200 trucks — it is FMCSA-registered, intuitive for drivers, and bundles GPS tracking with the ELD subscription at $35-45/truck/month. Samsara is the second most common choice, especially for carriers that also want AI dashcams. Geotab Drive (via reseller) dominates larger enterprise carriers that need deep analytics and custom compliance reporting. Verizon Connect and Omnitracs serve large carriers with complex multi-division operations.
Is ELD required for all trucking companies?
Most commercial motor vehicle operators are required to use an FMCSA-registered ELD. The mandate applies to drivers who must maintain records of duty status (RODS) — primarily interstate carriers operating vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR. Key exemptions: vehicles model year 1999 or older, drivers using paper logs 8 or fewer days in a 30-day rolling period, driveaway-towaway operations, and short-haul drivers using the 100 or 150 air-mile exemption. If you are unsure whether your operation qualifies for an exemption, consult the FMCSA's exemption guidance at fmcsa.dot.gov.
What happens during a DOT roadside inspection with an ELD?
During a roadside inspection, the driver must display their current HOS status on the ELD screen and transfer 7 days of records to the inspector on request. Transfer methods include Bluetooth, USB, telematics web services, or email — the inspector chooses. The driver selects 'Roadside Inspection' mode in the ELD app, which prepares the data package. The inspector verifies hours remaining, rest periods, and DVIR status. If the ELD malfunctions, drivers must switch to paper logs for up to 8 days while arranging repairs.
How do I know if my ELD is FMCSA registered?
Check the FMCSA's registered ELD list directly at eld.fmcsa.dot.gov — search by vendor name or device name. The list is publicly maintained and updated when vendors are added or removed. Do not rely on a vendor's claim alone. Unregistered devices offer no compliance protection: drivers using them face the same out-of-service risk as drivers on paper logs, and carriers face civil penalties starting at $1,270 per violation.
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Not sure which eld compliance platform fits?
Start with the full category page — it has comparison tables, buyer guidance, and our editorial verdict on every platform.