FMCSA weighs request to allow truckers to use paper logs instead of ELDs for records of duty status

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will accept public comment on an exemption request that would allow professional truckers to enter their records of duty status (RODS) manually instead of using an electronic logging device (ELD).

FMCSA is considering an exemption application request from the Federation of Professional Truckers (FOPT), a “nonprofit advocacy organization whose members are professional drivers and small carriers operating across the United States,” according to a notice to be published in the Federal Register on February 9, 2026.

On behalf of group members and “any other professional driver choosing to participate,” FOPT asked for relief from ELD regulations to allow drivers to record their RODS manually with a paper logbook, rather than with an ELD.

FOPT argues that using paper logbooks to record RODS should be allowed because they are enforceable, and paper logs “are understood by enforcement officers nationwide.” The group also points out that ELD rules place disproportionate financial burdens on smaller carriers.

“FOPT further states that “[t]echnical limitations and frequent malfunctions highlight the continued necessity of paper alternatives,” and that Executive Order 12866 requires agencies to avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens when reasonable alternatives exist,” FMCSA said in the notice. “FOPT believes the exemption would not compromise safety because FOPT would provide members education to ensure accuracy in paper RODS completion. Participating carriers would conduct random internal audits, and “violations of HOS limits by paper RODS users will result in exclusion from the exemption program.””

FMCSA will accept public comments from “all interested persons” for 30 days after the February 9 publication of the Notice in the Federal Register. After the publication date, you can follow this link to Regulations.gov to learn more and leave an online comment.