FMCSA tightens oversight of ELDs to prevent fraud and protect drivers

FMCSA Implements New Certification Process for ELDs

Federal law has required most commercial truck drivers to record their hours of service (HOS) using electronic logging devices since December 2017. Since February 2016, ELD providers have been allowed to self-certify and register their devices with the agency, a process that, according to the FMCSA, has led to repeated revocations and costly, inconvenient replacements for carriers.

To avoid this situation, the FMCSA has proposed a new verification process that will include an initial review to confirm contact information, technical specifications, and device images. A subsequent fraud-detection step will compare new ELD applications to lists of active, inactive, revoked, and pending devices.

Applications will be classified into one of the following four categories:

• Category 1: Approved
• Category 2: Information Requested
• Category 3: Additional Review
• Category 4: Denied for failing to meet required standards

Although the FMCSA has not yet provided dates for implementing the changes, the agency states that the new measures will close the regulatory gap and provide carriers and drivers with confidence in reliable and secure processes for selecting ELDs.