Verify the exact ELD and software version on FMCSA's manufacturer-self-certified registry; FMCSA does not endorse listed devices. Confirm whether the installed device supports the complete telematics option (web services and email) or local option (USB 2.0 and Bluetooth), train drivers on that exact workflow, and retain the required instruction packet and paper grids.
Fleet-owner compliance control sheet
| Control | Owner | Release evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Applicability and exceptions | Compliance | Dated driver/vehicle/trip decision |
| Device registration | ELD administrator | Exact active FMCSA listing |
| Accounts and assignments | Administrator | Unique users, valid license data, vehicle map |
| Daily records and edits | Driver and safety | Originals, annotations, proposed edits, certification |
| Roadside and malfunction | Driver/trainer | Transfer rehearsal, information packet, fallback test |
| Retention | Records owner | Six-month set, separate backup, restore result |
What to check
| Check | How to verify |
|---|---|
| 1. Verify exact device registration and installed version | Save the dated official-list match and installed screen for device name, hardware, software, registration ID, and status. |
| 2. Verify unique accounts and vehicle assignment | Keep user-role export, named driver logins, vehicle/VIN assignments, shared-account exceptions, correction, and retest. |
| 3. Review statuses edits unidentified driving and certification | Retain a sample day with original events, non-driving statuses, edits, annotations, unidentified-driving disposition, driver responses, and certification. |
| 4. Verify in-cab materials display and transfer | Inventory the installed instructions and blank grids; save the requested record range, method, routing entry, receipt or display, defect, and retest. |
| 5. Test malfunction retention backup and retrieval controls | Keep the malfunction exercise, notice, reconstructed records, repair path, required retention set, separate backup, named retrieval test, gaps, and corrective action. |
Limits of this page
ELD Compliance Checklist for Fleet Owners explains the federal or cross-border decision path but does not replace an operation-specific determination by the carrier's qualified reviewer or applicable authority.
Sources and review date
Reviewed August 10, 2026. The notes beside each source explain what it supports. Recheck current rules, registry status, product documentation, and commercial terms at the time of the decision.
- Office of the Federal Register and U.S. Government Publishing Office — Current 49 CFR Part 395 text covering HOS limits, exceptions, RODS, supporting documents, ELD duties, and technical requirements.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — Official ELD exceptions and exemptions FAQ.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — Official recording-HOS FAQ covering duty status, personal conveyance, yard move, team-driver records, odometer/location data, and edits.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — Official registered-device list and manufacturer self-certification/non-endorsement language.
Review applicability before changing the workflow
Bring the driver, vehicle, trip, jurisdiction, current provision, and the evidence behind any claimed exception.