All About the ELD Mandate in North America

If you drive trucks across the U.S. or Canada, you’ve probably been asked the same question a hundred times: “Do we really need an ELD for this?” The honest answer is yes, for most fleets that have to keep logs. The ELD mandate in North America is meant to make logging more consistent and lower the risk of fatigue-related accidents, but there are some exceptions, edge cases, and “gotchas” in the real world.

ELD Mandate Requirements in the US and Canada, Who Must Comply with the ELD Mandate

Let’s keep this practical: the ELD mandate generally applies to commercial drivers who are required to maintain a Record of Duty Status (daily logs). If you’re already obligated to log your time, you’re likely in ELD territory.

In the United States

Under the federal rule, most drivers who must keep logs use an ELD unless they qualify for a specific exemption. Common exemptions include:

Drivers who keep paper logs no more than 8 days in any 30-day period
Driveaway-towaway operations (in certain cases)
Vehicles manufactured before model year 2000

In Canada

Canada’s federal requirement applies to federally regulated motor carriers and drivers who must complete daily logs, using certified devices that meet the Canadian technical standard. Transport Canada has also updated the Canadian ELD technical standard over time (for example, version 1.3 was made public on September 29, 2025).

Quick reality check: “If I’m short-haul, am I exempt?”

Sometimes, but don’t assume. Both countries have “no log required” scenarios based on operating radius and returning to the home terminal, but details matter. For example, Transport Canada outlines an exemption for operations within 160 km of the home terminal and for returning each day (with additional conditions).

What the Mandate Looks Like in the Real World

The ELD mandate in North America isn’t just a device requirement, it’s a process requirement. Inspectors don’t care that you “have an ELD” if:

The driver can’t navigate it quickly
The logs aren’t certified
Edits aren’t documented properly
The device isn’t set up correctly for the unit/driver

A clean ELD program is really about consistency. When it’s done right, dispatch, safety, and drivers stop fighting the system and start using it as a shared source of truth.

Common Exemptions Fleets Rely On (And When They Backfire)

It’s true that there are exemptions, but fleets get hurt when they use them too broadly. Here are a few:

8 days in 30: Good for drivers who only drive logs once in a while, but risky if dispatch keeps saying “just one more trip.”
Cars made before 2000: Useful, but only if the car really qualifies and your records match.
Short-haul/no-log: This only works if your business follows the rules every day. What you need may change after a longer run.

If you rely too much on exemptions, make a simple rule for yourself: “If there’s any doubt, assume it’s ELD-required for that trip.” That way of thinking keeps you from getting expensive surprises.

Practical Steps to Stay Ready for the ELD Mandate in North America

Here is a simple list that will help you stay out of trouble without messing up your business:

1. Make a list of your “who needs ELD” rules.

Be clear about the role, type of route, and equipment. One page is better than ten spoken explanations.

2. Teach drivers how to do inspections, not just how to drive every day.

They should be able to quickly find the right screen and clearly explain strange situations.

3. Make edits and notes the same for everyone

Don’t let each terminal do it in its own way. Audits go more smoothly when things are consistent.

4. Check the logs once a week (light touch, not punishment)

Look for patterns, like late breaks happening again and again, too many edits, uncertified logs, or special statuses used incorrectly.

5. Think of cross-border operations as a different playbook

Depending on where the truck goes, the ELD mandate in North America can feel “similar but different.” Make a quick reference sheet for drivers and dispatch.

Closing Thoughts: Make the Mandate Work for You

The ELD mandate in North America can feel like a burden when it’s rolled out badly. But when you set clear rules, train for real scenarios, and review logs consistently, the mandate becomes manageable, and your operation gets calmer. You’ll spend less time arguing about logs and more time running freight with fewer surprises.

Need Help Getting Your Fleet ELD-Ready Across North America?

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.

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