Guides / ELD Benefits, Providers, and FAQs / ELD FAQs / Can I drive a truck without an ELD?

Can I drive a truck without an ELD?

The ELD mandate applies to most commercial truck drivers on the road today. You can only drive a truck without an ELD if you qualify for one of the few ELD exemptions as mandated by the FMCSA. The exemptions are:

  • Drivers who are operating under short-haul operations are exempt for CDL and non-CDL vehicles, and aren’t required to keep record of duty status (RODS). Time cards can be used in place of ELD. 
  • Certain driveaway-towaway operations in which the vehicle being driven is part of the shipment being delivered or in which the vehicle being transported is a motorhome or a recreational vehicle trailer. 
  • Drivers who maintain RODS for eight days or fewer in 30-day rolling periods and short-haul drivers who occasionally take longer trips. But if you exceed the short-haul exemption more than eight times within 30 days, you’ll need an ELD for the rest of the cycle. 
  • Drivers of motor vehicles manufactured before the year 2000.

Benefits of using ELDs even if you are exempt:

  • Reducing paperwork
  • Aumating IFTA reports
  • Tracking vehicles in real time
  • Monitoring vehicle condition and health
  • Increasing fuel efficiency
  • Identifying high-risk driving behavior
  • Improving driver and vehicle safety
  • Improving CSA scores
  • Lowering insurance premiums
  • Increasing profitability