After years of review and debate, the FMCSA has finally released a final ruling that will require electronic logging devices for truck drivers in two years.
Driver Coercion, Compliance Dates, Technology Specifications and More Included in Final Ruling
The major takeaways from the final ELD ruling are as follows:
- Drivers still using paper logs must switch over to electronic logs within the next two years.
- New procedures are in place to prevent truck drivers from being coerced to violate federal safety guidelines. The ruling gives the FMCSA the power to take action not only against trucking companies but also shippers and receivers who harass truck drivers.
- Technology specifications are outlined to help manufacturers create ELDs that comply with the law.
- The ruling establishes an hours of service supporting document that will include fuel purchase receipts and shipping documents and more designed to cut down on paperwork.
The rule will go into effect 60 days from today, meaning that drivers will have two years after those 60 days to make the switch to ELDs. Carriers who have already installed Automatic On-Board Recording Devices can continue to use these devices for two years after the compliance date. Canada-based and Mexico-based truck drivers will also have to use ELDs while they are driving in the U.S.
Also important to note — smartphones and other devices will be permitted as functional ELDs so long as they comply with technical specifications.
ELDs Expected to Save 26 Lives Per Year
The FMCSA estimates that the final ELD ruling will save 26 lives and prevent 562 injuries every year.
You can view the full details of the final ruling in the document below.
[su_document url=”https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/FMCSA-ELD-Final-Rule_12-10-2015.pdf” width=”700″]
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