Permit restrictions do not automatically change HOS requirements. Account for loading, securement, staging, and waiting when planning the driver’s hours.
What this means for your fleet
Plan available hours around permit windows and non-driving work, record staging and securement accurately, and keep dispatch from treating a delayed permit as automatically available driving time.
Example to try with your fleet
A permitted load waits for an escort and a daylight travel window. Dispatch accounts for loading, securement, staging, and waiting when planning the driver’s hours. It checks whether the driver is actually relieved of duty before treating a delay as rest. The fleet also tests the vehicle connection and access to support before dispatch.
What to check
Use these checks before buying or setting up an ELD. Record the results and resolve any problems before rollout.
| Check | How to verify |
|---|---|
| 1. Map permit windows and route constraints | Keep permits, approved route, windows, dimensions/weights, restrictions, staging sites, escort plan, driver/vehicle, changes, and route authority. |
| 2. Record loading and securement | Retain loading and securement start/end, inspections, work performed, original statuses, annotations, vehicle/trailer, and reviewer. |
| 3. Plan escort and staging time | Attach escort and staging schedules, communications, arrival/departure, wait/work events, HOS effect, route change, and final dispatch decision. |
| 4. Review adverse-condition decisions | Keep pre-duty information, unexpected condition and time known, original/adjusted limit calculation, current provision, qualified review, and dispatch action. |
| 5. Test support on specialized vehicles | Try resolving a device problem using the support contact provided for your plan. Record the hardware and software versions, connection conditions, response, and repair result. Repeat the test if the problem persists. |
Limits and exceptions
Use this guide to plan your checks; it does not determine whether a legal exception applies, certify a record, or guarantee compliance, safety, savings, or audit results. Preserve original ELD records and edit history. Use the current rules to determine applicability and the manual for your installed device for operating instructions.
Sources and review date
Reviewed August 10, 2026. Check the latest rules and product information before changing your procedures or signing a contract.
- 49 CFR Part 395: hours of service and ELD requirements — Office of the Federal Register and U.S. Government Publishing Office.
- FMCSA ELD resources for carriers and drivers — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Factor ELD products, plans, and support — Factor ELD.
Try the ELD on a typical route
Tell us about your truck, phone, route, and a task you want to test. Request a Factor ELD demo to see how the product works. Your fleet remains responsible for deciding which rules apply.