FMCSA Solicits Input on ELDs

Bottom Line: DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) soliciting public input on how the agency can improve the clarity of the regulations associated with electronic logging devices (ELDs).

(Note that an ANPRM is only an action to obtain input for potential future rulemakings and not an action to propose changes to the current regulations.) The agency is seeking this input based on experience and lessons learned now that ELDs have been in use for the last several years.  ELDs are only required for long-haul operations, typically facilitated by transport trucks.  They are not required for short-haul operations, which are typically facilitated by bobtail trucks.

FMCSA is seeking comments on the following issues:

• Applicability of ELDs to pre-2000 engines;
• Addressing ELD malfunctions;
• Removal Process – e.g., when an ELD provider goes out of business or does not keep their information current;
• Technical Specifications – e.g., the impact of adding certain data elements to every event such as actual odometer reading and geo-location, among others, and the ability of the ELD to more efficiently monitor vehicle operation with more frequent recordings.
• ELD Certification – e.g., should FMCSA establish a certification process for ELDs.

The ANPRM notice can be viewed here. The comment deadline is November 15, 2022. Any comments you may have can be sent to Mike Caldarera.