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FMCSA sticks to ELD deadline, despite tech delays

December 18, 2017, deadline is fast approaching

Posted May 9, 2017

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is committed to the December 18, 2017, deadline for requiring the use of electronic logging devices (ELDs), even if the agency’s own IT systems aren’t ready by then.

In a meeting with ELD manufacturers on May 9, 2017, FMCSA representatives could not say when the government’s computer systems would be ready for the ELD rollout, only indicating that it should be “soon.”

Those systems — including an internet server and log auditing software — are critical for ELD manufacturers to be able to verify that their devices are fully compliant with the ELD regulations.

During the presentation, FMCSA representatives noted that “the rule will go ahead” even if the agency’s IT systems are not ready. As a result, roadside enforcement officials may need to rely on printed logs and electronic displays until the internet services are available. Those services allow drivers to transmit their logs electronically to enforcement.

The May 9 meeting was intended to address questions from ELD manufacturers and to review the required ELD outputs and data sets.

Most commercial motor vehicle drivers will need to use ELDs in place of paper logs beginning December 18, 2017. Drivers using automatic on-board recorders that comply with section 395.15 will be able to use those devices until December 16, 2019.


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