What Is ELD Exemption in Trucking?
Also called: ELD Exempt, Exempt from ELD
An ELD exemption means a driver may use paper logs, or no logs at all, instead of an electronic logging device. Federal rules list the cases: a driver who must record duty status on 8 days or fewer in any 30-day period, certain driveaway-towaway moves, and trucks built before model year 2000. Drivers who meet the 150 air-mile short-haul exception do not need a log at all.
Last reviewed September 23, 2026 · Facts checked October 16, 2026
Key Points
- The ELD rule says a motor carrier must install and require its drivers to use an ELD to record duty status (49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)(i))
- A carrier may use paper logs for a driver who must complete a record of duty status on not more than 8 days in any 30-day period (49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)(ii))
- Paper logs are also allowed for a driveaway-towaway move where the vehicle driven is part of the shipment, or where the vehicle is a motor home or recreational vehicle trailer
- Paper logs are also allowed for a vehicle manufactured before model year 2000, as shown by the VIN on its registration
- A driver in the 150 air-mile short-haul exception is exempt from the record of duty status rule altogether (49 CFR 395.1(e)(1))
- An exempt driver still has to follow the hours of service limits. Paper logs must be kept on the required grid, in duplicate
What is an ELD exemption?
An ELD exemption is a case where a driver does not have to use an electronic logging device. The ELD rule says a motor carrier must require its drivers to use an ELD to record duty status (49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)(i)). But the same section lets a carrier require paper logs instead in a few cases, and a separate rule frees short-haul drivers from keeping a record of duty status at all. These are rules that apply by the facts of your work. You do not apply for them.
Which drivers can use paper logs instead of an ELD?
Four cases are listed in 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)(ii). One is a driver who must complete a record of duty status on not more than 8 days in any 30-day period. One is a driveaway-towaway move where the vehicle being driven is part of the shipment. One is a driveaway-towaway move of a motor home or recreational vehicle trailer. The last is a vehicle that was manufactured before model year 2000, as shown by the VIN on the registration. The record must be made in duplicate for each 24-hour period, on the specified grid.
Does a short-haul driver need an ELD?
Not if the driver meets the 150 air-mile short-haul exception in 49 CFR 395.1(e)(1). That driver is exempt from the record of duty status rule, so there is nothing to put in an ELD or on paper. The driver must work within 150 air miles, which is 172.6 statute miles, of the normal work reporting location. The driver must return and be released from work within 14 consecutive hours. A property-carrying driver must have at least 10 consecutive hours off duty between each 14 hours on duty. The employer must keep time records for 6 months.
How does the 8 days in 30 days rule work?
It counts the days on which you must complete a record of duty status. If that is not more than 8 days in any 30-day period, your carrier may let you use paper logs. If you reach a ninth day in that period, you need an ELD. The count rolls forward every day, so keep track. A driver who must log every week will pass that count.
Do exempt drivers still have to follow hours of service?
Yes. These cases change how you record your time, not the limits on your driving. A driver who uses paper logs, or who is in the short-haul exception, must still follow the hours of service rules that apply to the operation. Our hours of service exceptions page covers the limits and the other exceptions. Check FMCSA's site for any temporary exemptions and waivers that may apply to your operation.
Related Terms
Related Free Tools
DOT Audit Readiness Checklist
An interactive compliance checklist to get ready for a DOT compliance review.
Hours of Service (HOS) Tracker
Full 49 CFR Part 395 tracking. It covers the daily log, 14-hour window, 30-minute break, and the real 60/70-hour weekly rule with 34-hour restart detection.
Hours of Service Exception Checker
Pick your kind of work, answer a few yes or no questions, and see if an hours of service exception fits. A second check covers personal conveyance.
CDL & Compliance Deadline Tracker
Track all compliance deadlines in one place with color-coded alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ELD exempt mean?+
It means a driver does not have to use an electronic logging device. The driver may use paper logs, or in the short-haul case, no record of duty status at all. Federal rules list the cases.
What are the ELD exemptions?+
A driver who must record duty status on not more than 8 days in any 30-day period. Certain driveaway-towaway moves. A vehicle built before model year 2000. And a driver in the 150 air-mile short-haul exception, who does not keep a record of duty status at all (49 CFR 395.8 and 395.1).
How do I get an ELD exemption?+
You do not apply for the rule-based cases. You qualify if your work fits the rule, such as 8 days or fewer in 30 days, or a pre-2000 vehicle. FMCSA can also grant separate temporary exemptions to specific people or groups. Check FMCSA's site for those.
Is an ELD required for interstate driving?+
Yes for drivers who must keep a record of duty status, unless a case in the rule applies. Carriers must require ELD use under 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)(i). The paper log and short-haul cases are the main exceptions.
Are trucks built before 2000 exempt from the ELD rule?+
Yes. A carrier may use paper logs for a vehicle manufactured before model year 2000, as shown by the VIN on its registration (49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)(ii)(A)).
Do ELD exempt drivers still follow hours of service?+
Yes. An exemption changes how you record your time, not the driving limits. You must still follow the hours of service rules that apply to your operation.
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