ELD Driver Responsibilities

Who This Applies To

• Commercial motor vehicle drivers subject to the ELD mandate who want to understand their day-to-day obligations.
• New drivers joining a carrier that uses ELDs who need to understand what they are required to do with ELD data.
• Drivers who received a roadside inspection citation related to ELD records and need to understand what went wrong.
• Carriers building driver training programs and need a concise list of driver-side ELD obligations.

What To Verify

• That the driver is responsible for reviewing and certifying their daily log data before the end of each 24-hour period. The driver's certification means they are attesting that the log is accurate and complete.
• That unassigned driving segments must be reviewed and either accepted (if the driver was driving) or rejected with a note. Leaving unassigned driving unreviewed creates a log accuracy issue.
• That the driver must carry at least 8 days of blank paper log forms in the vehicle at all times for use during an ELD malfunction. This is the driver's responsibility, not the carrier's responsibility at the vehicle level.
• How to transfer ELD data to a roadside inspector. FMCSA requires drivers to be able to demonstrate ELD use and transfer data on demand — either by displaying data on the ELD screen, by wireless transfer, or by email/USB transfer depending on the device.

Step-by-Step Overview

1. At the start of each shift, log in to the ELD and confirm the previous log data is certified and any unassigned segments from prior sessions are resolved.
2. Throughout the shift, verify that the ELD is correctly recording duty status changes. If the device fails to switch from driving to on-duty at a stop, correct it as soon as possible.
3. At the end of each 24-hour period, review the complete day's log data, correct any errors, and certify the log. A certified log cannot be changed by the driver after certification without noting the amendment reason.
4. If an ELD malfunctions, switch immediately to paper RODS, notify the carrier within 24 hours, and carry the paper logs for the malfunction period.
5. During a roadside inspection, present the ELD data per the inspector's request — most ELD devices have an inspection mode that allows the inspector to view the data without accessing driver-private information.

Common Mistakes

• Not certifying daily logs promptly. Uncertified logs may appear as incomplete records during an inspection — certification should be completed before the end of each 24-hour period.
• Not reviewing or responding to unassigned driving segments. Unassigned driving that is never accepted or rejected represents a gap in the log and may be cited as a log accuracy violation.
• Not knowing how to transfer ELD data during a roadside inspection. A driver who cannot demonstrate data transfer on demand may be cited even if the ELD is functioning and records are complete.
• Allowing blank paper log forms to run out in the vehicle. The 8-day supply of blank logs is a driver responsibility — restocking before going below the minimum is easier than explaining a gap during a malfunction.