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An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a DOT-mandated technology that automatically records a commercial driver’s Hours of Service (HOS). It connects directly to the truck’s engine to track driving time, rest breaks, and duty status, ensuring compliance with FMCSA regulations. 

One of the most common violations is simply not using an ELD when required. Many carriers mistakenly think short hauls or older trucks exempt them. However, if you’re required to keep Records of Duty Status (RODS) for more than 8 days in a 30-day period, you must use an FMCSA-registered ELD—no exceptions. 

Drivers often fail to update duty status, certify logs, or log out properly at the end of the day, which results in incomplete logs—a common violation during roadside inspections. 

FMCSA requires that drivers be able to demonstrate ELD use, show hours-of-service logs, and transfer data electronically during inspections. If a driver can’t do this, it’s considered a failure to comply, which can lead to a violation and out-of-service order.