California to require ELDs for intrastate truck drivers starting January 1

A new rule going into effect in California will require ELDs for intrastate truck drivers starting January 1, 2024.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has issued a Final Rule on Intrastate Electronic Logging Devices that goes into effect at the start of 2024. You can click here to view key provisions.

When the Final Rule goes into effect, intrastate truckers in California must use an electronic logging device (ELD) to record a driver’s record of duty status (RODS), with some exemptions.

Exemption to the ELD Requirement: According to CHP, drivers meeting any one of the following conditions are not required to use an ELD:

•  Driver is operating a commercial motor vehicle in a manner requiring completion of RODS no more than eight (8) days within any 30-day period. 
•  Driver is in driveaway-towaway operation (transporting empty vehicles for sale, lease, or repair), provided the vehicle driven is part of the shipment being delivered. 
• The vehicle being driven was manufactured before model year 2000, as reflected in the vehicle identification number and as shown on the vehicle’s registration. 
• The motor carrier, driver, or vehicle is subject to federal regulatory guidance, a waiver, or an exemption issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration pursuant Title 49, CFR, Part 395, which specifically exempts the use of an ELD.

Truck drivers and motor carriers who are exempt from the intrastate ELD rule are still required to keep RODS using a paper logbook or using an automatic on-board recording device or electronic software.

CHP noted that there will be no change to the 100 Air-Mile (Local) Driver Radius Exemption.  Additionally, interstate drivers may continue to utilize the 150 air-mile radius exemption for “short-haul operations,” the CHP said.

“Since December 18, 2017, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations have required interstate motor carriers and drivers to use an ELD to record a driver’s RODS in accordance with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 395, Subpart B, unless otherwise exempted.  Since then, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has worked to align state regulations with federal ELD regulations and has engaged with a variety of interested parties, including motor carriers, commercial motor vehicle drivers, media, and public interest groups. The CHP received significant input during three separate public comment periods and conducted numerous presentations, which included the 2019, 2021, and 2023 Commercial Vehicle Safety Summits, to advise the affected industry of the upcoming changes,” the CHP said.

Many other states already have intrastate ELD regulations on the books.