ELD Exemptions

What are ELD Exemptions

While many commercial drivers are required to use an ELD, there are notable exceptions. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of these ELD exceptions.

Short-Haul ELD Exemption

Definition of Short-Haul Exemption
These drivers operate within a 100 air-mile radius of their normal work reporting location and return to that location at the end of the day. They must also be released from duty within 12 hours and have at least 10 consecutive hours off duty between each 12-hour shift.

Short-Haul Exemption Requirements
Operate within a 100 air-mile radius of their normal work reporting location.
Start and end the day at the same location.
Must be released from duty within 12 consecutive hours.
Must have at least 10 consecutive hours off duty between shifts.

Paper Logs: If drivers don’t meet the above conditions even for a single day, they will be required to maintain a traditional paper log for that day.

Non-CDL Short-Haul ELD Exemption

Definition of Non-CDL Short-Haul Exemption
This exemption is tailored for drivers who don’t require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) but operate commercial vehicles, they can operate within a 150 air-mile radius and aren’t subject to the 12-hour limit.

Non-CDL Short-Haul Exemption Requirements
Operate within a 150 air-mile radius of their work reporting location.
Must not drive through states that require a CDL for their vehicle type.
Return to the original work reporting location at the end of the day.

Paper Logs: These drivers only need paper log if they don’t meet the requirements on a particular day.

Agricultural ELD Exemption

Definition of Agricultural Exemption
Exemptions specifically designed for agricultural operations during certain times of the year.

Agricultural Exemption Requirements
During planting and harvesting periods as defined by each state.
Within a 150 air-mile radius from the source of the agricultural commodity.

Paper Logs: Outside of the defined times and distances, and if HOS compliance is required, traditional paper logs must be maintained.
External Link: ELD Hours of Service and Agricultural Exemptions

Driveaway-Towaway Operators

Definition
This refers to drivers who deliver vehicles where the delivered vehicle is the commodity. An example would be delivering a new bus or truck from the manufacturer to a dealership.

Exemption Details
The exception applies if the driven vehicle is the one being delivered or if the vehicle being transported is an RV or a motorhome trailer with one or more sets of wheels on the roadway.

Pre-2000 Vehicles

Definition
Vehicles with engines manufactured before 2000.

Reason for Exemption
Many older vehicles lack the electronic systems compatible with modern ELDs.

Verification
The exemption is based on the engine’s model year, which can be verified by checking the engine nameplate or through the vehicle’s VIN.

Rental Vehicle ELD Exemptions

Definition
Temporary usage of rental trucks.

Exemption Duration
This exemption is for those using the rental vehicle for 8 days or less. Longer rentals require ELDs unless another exemption applies.

Paper Logs
Drivers are still required to maintain traditional paper logs during the rental period.
External Link: J.J. Keller Compliance about the 5 conditions for rental trucks and ELD exceptions.

Intermittent RODS

Definition
For drivers who only occasionally need to maintain Records of Duty Status (RODS).

Exemption Criteria
If the driver or carrier maintains RODS for 8 days or fewer in any 30-day rolling period, they’re exempt from the ELD requirement.

Paper Logs
When RODS are required, even intermittently, they must be maintained on traditional paper logs for those days.
External Link: CSA/FMCSA on Intermittent RODS

Learn more about ELD here.
Learn more about the ELD Mandate here.