You know how painful it is when a routine roadside stop turns into a long, stressful inspection. Small logging problems can quickly get out of hand. The good news is that most ELD mistakes CSA inspectors don’t find “mystery problems.” They are habits that repeat themselves, like forgetting steps, rushing edits, and setting things up wrong.
Table of Contents
Common ELD Errors That Trigger CSA Violations
1) Unassigned Driving Time That Never Gets Reviewed
This is one of the biggest ELD mistakes CSA officers spot because it looks like the truck moved without a driver owning the record.
How it happens:
- Driver forgets to log in before moving
- Wrong driver profile is selected
- Someone moves the unit in the yard without proper steps
How to fix it:
- Make “log in before rolling” a non-negotiable habit
- Have dispatch or safety check for unassigned driving daily
- Coach drivers on how to accept or reject unassigned time the moment they see it
2) Logs Not Certified at the End of the Day
It sounds small, but unc ertified logs raise eyebrows. And yes, it’s a classic ELD mistakes CSA trigger because it suggests the record isn’t complete.
How to fix it:
- Add a simple end-of-shift routine: park, status change, certify
- Put a reminder in your driver check-out process
- Review uncertified logs weekly and coach early, not months later
3) Too Many “Clean-Up” Edits Without Clear Notes
Edits are normal. What causes trouble is a pattern of edits that looks like it’s hiding something. This is a top ELD mistakes CSA issue because it can come across as log manipulation, even when it isn’t.
How to fix it:
- Create a simple rule: if you edit, you explain why in plain language
- Keep edits consistent (same standards across all terminals)
- Train drivers on the difference between correcting a mistake and “rebuilding” a day
4) Incorrect Duty Status Changes (Or Changes Made Too Late)
Another common mistake with ELD record doesn’t match what really happened in the CSA case. Drivers might forget to switch to on-duty when they are loading, fueling, or inspecting, and then fix it later. That late change often looks fishy.
How to fix it:
- Teach duty status changes using real scenarios (fuel stop, scale, shipper delays)
- Encourage drivers to change status in the moment, not at the end of the day
- Spot-check a few logs weekly and share quick feedback
5) Missing Supporting Documents When Things Go Sideways
Even with an ELD, drivers still need to be ready when something breaks or doesn’t transfer smoothly. Missing basic backup items can turn into ELD mistakes CSA findings during a stop.
How to fix it:
- Keep a simple “compliance pouch” in every unit (don’t rely on memory)
- Make sure drivers know where it is and what it contains
- Review it during orientation and during periodic ride-alongs
6) Drivers Don’t Know How to Show Logs During a Stop
A driver can be fully compliant and still get dinged if they can’t quickly pull up what the officer requests. This is one of those ELD mistakes CSA issues that’s completely avoidable with a little practice.
How to fix it:
- Do a 5-minute “mock roadside check” during onboarding
- Practice the steps: open logs, show the right day range, and explain annotations
- Refresh quarterly—skills fade if they’re never used
7) Setup Problems: Wrong Vehicle, Wrong Profile, Wrong Details
When the driver, truck, and device don’t match up perfectly, the log gets messy. And messy logs are magnets for ELD mistakes that CSA flags.
How to make it better:
- Make sure that all trucks and drivers have the same name (no nicknames or duplicates).
- Make sure to do a quick check before the trip: the right unit, the right trailer if needed, and the right driver
- Keep a list of things to do for shop/ops every time equipment changes hands
Related Article: Common ELD Mistakes That Can Cost Your Fleet
A Simple Weekly Routine That Prevents Most CSA Flags
If you want to avoid surprises, make it boring and the same every time:
1. Check every day for missing certifications and driving that isn’t assigned
2. Every week, look at the most common problems by lane or terminal, not just by driver.
3. Every month, talk about a new topic in a short toolbox talk (no more than 10 minutes).
That routine prevents most ELD mistakes. CSA problems because it finds them before they get too big.
Clean Habits Beat Big Fixes
Most fleets don’t need stricter rules, they need clearer habits. When drivers know exactly what to do every day, and the office reviews logs consistently, ELD mistakes don’t pile up and cause CSA stops. Fewer flags means fewer delays, fewer headaches, and a smoother operation for everyone.
Related Article: How to Avoid ELD Mistakes and Keep Logs Clean
Need Help Cleaning Up Logs and Reducing CSA Flags?
Reach out to us at welocity.ca, call 905-901-1601, or email info@welocity.ca if you need any trucking-related services. Whether it is ELD setup, compliance training, or vehicle inspections, we have you covered.