How to Avoid ELD Mistakes and Keep Logs Clean

If you manage drivers (or you’re a driver yourself), you’ve probably had that moment where a log looks “fine”… until it isn’t. The good news is that most problems are predictable. When you learn to avoid ELD mistakes, you cut down on last-minute edits, awkward roadside conversations, and those annoying “why did this happen?” follow-ups.

Avoid ELD Mistakes With a Simple Weekly Routine

Here’s a quick weekly routine to keep minor issues from turning into repeat violations. This is the fastest way to avoid ELD mistakes without drowning in paperwork.

Check unidentified driving events and clean them up
Spot-check 3–5 logs for missing remarks/locations
Review personal conveyance/yard move usage
Confirm edits were annotated and certified
Make sure malfunction/diagnostic events were handled quickly

If you do this once a week, you’ll catch problems while they’re still easy to fix.

ELD Best Practices

Think “boring and consistent.” The strongest fleets don’t rely on memory, they rely on a process.

A few simple standards help a lot:

Drivers log in before moving the truck (every time)
Everyone knows what requires a remark (delays, split-sleeper notes, PC notes, etc.).
Dispatch and safety have a clear escalation path for log issues

And if your device flags malfunctions or diagnostics, don’t ignore them. FMCSA guidance expects drivers to notify the carrier within 24 hours and carriers to repair/replace within the required timeframe.

Driver Log Errors

Most log problems come from rushed days, not bad intentions. Common trouble spots include:

Forgetting to certify at the end of the day
Editing without a clear reason
Missing shipping documents, info, or notes where your process requires them

One big reminder: edits shouldn’t erase history. FMCSA explains that edits don’t overwrite the original record, and changes should be explained with notes.

Improper Duty Status

This is where “I thought it was fine” turns into a hard conversation.

The fix is simple: make sure drivers understand what each status means in your operation:

On-duty not driving (fueling, inspections, loading/unloading)
Off-duty vs sleeper berth (and when each is appropriate)
Personal conveyance and yard move rules, as your company allows (with clear examples)

A quick cheat sheet plus real examples from your lanes can prevent a lot of pain later.

Unassigned Driving

Unidentified driving isn’t just a nuisance, it’s a compliance item you’re expected to manage. FMCSA guidance says drivers must review unassigned time when they log in and either accept it (if it’s theirs) or indicate it isn’t.

For carriers, FMCSA also says you must either assign the record to the correct driver or annotate it with an explanation, and retain those records for at least 6 months.

If you want to avoid ELD mistakes around unidentified driving, the secret is speed: review it daily (or at least weekly) so you’re not trying to untangle a month later.

ELD Training for Drivers

Training doesn’t need to be a classroom marathon. Short, practical refreshers work best:

15-minute onboarding “How we log here.”
A follow-up after the first week (when real questions appear)
A monthly mini-topic (PC notes, certifications, edits, inspections)

Also: train what to do if the device can’t produce an electronic record roadside. FMCSA guidance notes a driver can be cited and placed out of service for failing to have the required electronic record of duty status.

Common ELD mistakes drivers make and how to avoid them

Here are the repeat offenders, and the quick fixes:

Logging in late → “Keys don’t turn until you’re logged in.”
Skipping end-of-day certification → Add it to the shutdown routine.
Overusing “off-duty” during work tasks → Use clear status examples.
Editing without a reason → Always add a short note for why.
Ignoring malfunction/diagnostic alerts → Report fast; follow the procedure.
Leaving unidentified driving untouched → Review at login and reconcile quickly.

This is where most fleets avoid ELD mistakes just by tightening habits.

How To Prevent Unassigned Driving And Log Errors

If you want a clean, repeatable approach, use this:

Daily: driver checks for unidentified time at login
Weekly: safety reviews, exceptions, and patterns
Monthly: spot-check a sample of logs and coach early
Always: require notes on edits and keep the paper trail clean

When everyone follows the same steps, logs stop being a surprise.

Keep Logs Simple and Inspection-Ready

You don’t need perfect days to stay compliant, you need consistent habits. When you avoid ELD mistakes through quick reviews, clear duty-status rules, and regular coaching, your whole operation runs smoother (and inspections feel a lot less stressful).

Need Help Getting Your ELD Process Under Control?

Reach out to us at www.welocity.ca, call 905-901-1601, or emailinfo@welocity.ca if you need any trucking-related services. Whether it is ELD setup, compliance training, or vehicle inspections, we have you covered.

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