ELD Buyer's and Compliance Checklist for Owner Operators

A carrier must have drivers who must keep a record of duty status use an ELD (49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)). It may let a driver use paper logs if the driver needs a record on not more than 8 days in any 30-day period, is in a driveaway-towaway operation, or drives a vehicle built before model year 2000 (395.8(a)(1)(ii)). A driver who meets the short-haul exemption does not need a record of duty status on days that meet every condition.

You may use only an ELD that is on the list (49 CFR 395.22(a)). Match four things: the device name, the model number, the software version and the ELD identifier. The identifier names one certified model and one version. FMCSA's list had 936 registered ELDs on October 16, 2026.

The listed devices are self-certified by the manufacturer. FMCSA does not endorse any ELD. Each listing carries the maker's user manual, its steps for sending data to an officer, a summary of malfunctions and a statement of how it was tested (Appendix A to Subpart B, sections 5.2.1 and 5.3). Read them before you buy.

FMCSA may remove an ELD model or version from the list (Appendix A to Subpart B, section 5.4). On October 16, 2026 the revoked list had 387 entries: 132 revoked by FMCSA and 255 that the maker revoked itself. The newest was dated September 28, 2026. Ask the seller for the identifier, then look it up on both lists.

In its removal notices, FMCSA gave carriers up to 60 days to replace a revoked ELD with one from the Registered list. Until then, drivers go back to paper logs or logging software. After the deadline in the notice, the carrier is treated as operating without an ELD. Officers are told to cite 395.8(a)(1) and place the driver out of service. If the maker fixes the problems, FMCSA can put the device back on the list.

An ELD must support at least one of two options. Option 1 is wireless web services and email. Option 2 is USB 2.0 and Bluetooth. It must certify that each part of its option works, and the officer picks which method to use (Appendix A to Subpart B, section 4.9.1). Make sure each driver can start the transfer from the ELD screen.

The ELD must give records for the current 24-hour period and the previous 7 consecutive days, on a display or a printout (Appendix A to Subpart B, section 4.9.1(c)).

The ELD must keep copies of its records for at least 6 months. It must produce data files on demand for a subset of drivers, vehicles and dates (Appendix A to Subpart B, section 4.9.2). Separately, the carrier must keep a backup copy of the ELD records for 6 months on a device that is not the one holding the originals (49 CFR 395.22(i)(1)).

The ELD must show a malfunction indicator, and a separate data diagnostic indicator, that the driver can see from the normal seated position (Appendix A to Subpart B, sections 4.6.2.1 and 4.6.3.1).

When driving time is logged to the unidentified driver profile, the ELD must warn the next driver who logs in. If more than 30 minutes of driving in 24 hours shows as unidentified, it must raise a data diagnostic event (Appendix A to Subpart B, section 4.6.1.6).

The ELD must test that its data transfer works at least once every 7 days. If the test fails, it checks every 24 hours, and after three more failed checks it must flag a data transfer malfunction (Appendix A to Subpart B, section 4.6.1.7).

The carrier creates and deactivates ELD accounts, gives each user a unique username, and checks that the driver's license number and name match. The username must not use the license number or Social Security number. Support staff get their own accounts (49 CFR 395.22(b), (c) and (d)).

A portable ELD must be mounted in a fixed position while the vehicle is operated, and be visible to the driver in the normal seated position (49 CFR 395.22(g)).

The packet holds an instruction sheet for data transfer, an instruction sheet for malfunctions and recordkeeping, and blank graph-grid logs for at least 8 days (49 CFR 395.22(h)).

Drivers and support staff must log in with their own identification data (49 CFR 395.22(e)).

The carrier must make sure the ELD is calibrated and maintained as the provider specifies (49 CFR 395.22(f)).

The driver notes the malfunction and gives the carrier written notice within 24 hours. The driver rebuilds the record for the current 24-hour period and the previous 7 days on paper logs, unless the records can be retrieved from the ELD. The driver keeps paper logs until the ELD is fixed, and shows them if inspected (49 CFR 395.34(a) and (b)).

The carrier must correct a malfunction within 8 days of finding it or being told, whichever is first. To ask for more time, tell the FMCSA Division Administrator for the state of your principal place of business within 5 days after the driver's notice, with the make, model and serial number and what you did to fix it (49 CFR 395.34(d)).

Keep a backup copy of the ELD records for 6 months on a separate device (49 CFR 395.22(i)(1)).