The electronic logging device (ELD) mandate deadline is almost here. Make sure you’re prepared! When you’re running an ELD, there are a few things that you must be able to access quickly in case of a roadside inspection. These are different than what you need if you’re running electronic logs or an automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD). Read this blog post to learn more.
What Do I Need To Have Access To In My Vehicle?
Once you’ve got an ELD installed in your vehicle, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that you have some specific materials on hand to help ensure you have a smooth inspection in case you’re pulled over. We’ve created an ELD Resources page with all of these materials (and other training materials) to make it easy for you to find. You can view this webpage here.
The FMCSA requires that you have access to the following materials while you’re driving:
1) An Inspection Guide For Your Specific ELD
This guide gives you and the inspecting officer detailed instructions about how to complete a roadside inspection using your ELD. When driving, you must have access to this guide as either a digital or paper copy.
For the driver, this guide walks you through how to email, fax, or print your logs for the officer and how to prepare the BigRoad Mobile App for an on-screen roadside inspection.
For the inspecting officer, this guide provides step-by-step directions on how to perform an on-screen inspection using the BigRoad Mobile App.
If you’re pulled over for an inspection, show the officer this card if they ask you how to inspect your logs on the BigRoad Mobile App.
2) A Malfunction Guide
This guide gives you instructions about what to do if your ELD isn’t working properly. This includes a step-by-step list of things to do during a malfunction and how to record your logs during this time. When driving, you must have access to this guide as either a digital or paper copy.
At BigRoad, our Inspection Guide and Malfunction Guide are together on one piece of paper (known as your ELD Driver Card) so that it’s less paperwork for you to keep track of. You can download your ELD Driver Card to your mobile device or request a laminated paper copy.
3) An ELD User Manual
Your ELD User Manual gives you detailed instructions about how to use your ELD. If you ever need to know how to use a feature, you can refer to the User Manual for instructions. Our User Manual is available online through the BigRoad Mobile App so that you can access it from your truck. You are not required to have a printed copy in your truck but it doesn’t hurt to print one out just in case!
4) At Least 8 Days Of Paper Logs
In the event of an ELD malfunction that can’t be fixed quickly, the FMCSA requires you to have 8 days of blank paper logs in your truck, or 14 if you’re driving in Canada. This way, you can switch to paper logs to record your hours-of-service if you need to and ensure that you’re still running in compliance.
How Can BigRoad Help?
Choose an ELD provider that’s prepared for the mandate, like BigRoad. We’ll make sure that you have everything you need to be compliant and we’re here to support you through the whole transition. Plus, we still have lots of ELDs in stock and you can order one quickly online. Buy our DashLink ELD now and we’ll give you 3 months for free!
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