Logging In
A driver must have only one driver account with a carrier, with a unique identification number and password.
An owner/operator must have a single account as a driver, and a separate account for administrative functions (setting up user accounts, etc.).
If a driver does not log onto the ELD, as soon as the vehicle is in motion, the ELD will:
- Provide a visual or visual and audible warning reminding the driver to stop and log into the ELD;
- Record accumulated driving and on-duty, not-driving, time in accordance with the ELD defaults, under the unidentified driver profile; and
- Not allow entry of any information into the ELD other than a response to the login prompt.
Upon logging in, a driver should review any unassigned driving time. ELD events under the “Unidentified Driver” profile should be added to the driver’s record – or the driver should add a note (annotation) explaining that the unassigned hours are not his/hers.
Duty Status
An ELD records actual time for each duty status entered or automatically started. ELDs cannot be set to record minimum duty status durations, such as 15-minute intervals.
ELDs record data every hour when a vehicle is moving, and there has not been a duty status change or intermediate recording in the previous hour.
ELDs use the following Duty Status categories:
| Driving | An ELD automatically switches to driving status once the vehicle is moving at a speed of no more than five miles per hour. |
| On-Duty Not Driving | When the vehicle has not been in motion for five consecutive minutes, the ELD will prompt the driver to confirm driving status or enter the proper status. If the driver doesn’t respond within one minute, the ELD will automatically switch to on-duty not driving. |
| Off-Duty | The driver should indicate off-duty status for non-driving on-duty periods or must edit and annotate the record later. Periods of authorized personal use (see Special Driving Categories, below) may also be considered off-duty time. |
| Sleeper Berth | The driver should indicate sleeper berth status for sleeper berth periods or must edit and annotate the RODS later. |
Special Driving Categories
Authorized Personal Use: A driver can record periods when using a vehicle for authorized personal use. This may include the time traveling between a driver’s home and terminal (or normal work reporting location), and traveling short distances (from terminals or motels) to restaurants. These periods of personal use may be considered off-duty time.
However, a driver who uses a vehicle for transportation home and is later dispatched from home would be on-duty from the time the driver leaves home.
An ELD does not change the duty status following a period of personal conveyance status. The driver should change the duty status to off-duty before powering off, or later annotate the record to explain off-duty status at the end of the driving time.
Yard Moves: A driver can record periods of yard moves.
Adverse Operations: A driver can annotate the record to document sudden bad weather, crashes, or other unforeseeable conditions.
Oilfield Operations: A driver can annotate the record to indicate oilfield operations.
Location Information
ELDs automatically record location information in relation to the nearest city, town, or village. ELDs are not required to capture street addresses; street address data, if captured, will not be transferred to law enforcement.
During on-duty periods, ELDs record location with an accuracy of approximately a one-mile radius.
During off-duty periods (such as using a vehicle for personal use), ELDs record location with an accuracy of approximately 10 square miles, to protect driver privacy.