Electronic Logging Device Requirements: Federation of Professional Truckers; Application for Exemption
Published Date: 2/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federation of Professional Truckers wants to let drivers choose to keep their work hours on paper instead of using electronic logging devices (ELDs). This change would affect professional truck drivers and could save them money and hassle. The government is asking for your thoughts by March 11, 2026, before deciding if this exemption should be allowed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Option to use paper logs instead of ELDs
If you are a professional truck driver, the Federation of Professional Truckers (FOPT) asks to let drivers choose to record their records of duty status (RODS) manually with a paper logbook instead of using an electronic logging device (ELD). FMCSA is asking for public comment on that exemption request, with comments due March 11, 2026.
Small carriers face disproportionate ELD costs
FOPT states that small carriers face disproportionate financial burdens from the ELD requirements and requests an exemption to reduce that burden for its members and participating drivers. If FMCSA grants the exemption, small carriers participating could avoid ELD-related costs and requirements.
Participation requires education, audits, and compliance
FOPT says drivers who operate under the requested exemption would still have to meet all other hours-of-service (HOS) requirements in 49 CFR part 395, receive education on accurate paper RODS completion, and be subject to random internal audits; violations of HOS limits would lead to exclusion from the exemption program. Participating carriers and drivers would therefore have ongoing compliance obligations and possible removal from the program if they fail to comply.
Paper RODS remain enforceable nationwide
FOPT asserts that paper records of duty status (RODS) remain enforceable and are understood by enforcement officers nationwide, which it cites as support for allowing paper logs as an alternative to ELDs. That claim is part of FOPT's justification that a paper option can be a practicable alternative to ELDs.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08144, Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-20734, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Aurora Operations, Inc (USDOT #341156)
The FMCSA just gave Aurora Operations, Inc. a 5-year green light to use special cab-mounted warning lights instead of the usual ones on their Level 4 self-driving trucks. This change affects Aurora and similar companies running automated commercial vehicles, starting October 7, 2026, and aims to keep safety just as strong or even better. No extra costs for carriers, just smarter, safer tech on the road!
2026-20649, Qualification of Drivers; Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance; Application for Exemption
The FMCSA is giving Alaska drivers with a commercial learner’s permit or license a one-year pass to use a paper medical certificate for up to 60 days, since Alaska hasn’t switched to the new electronic system yet. Drivers in all other states must stop using paper proof starting October 12, 2026. This temporary change helps Alaska drivers and their employers stay compliant without extra costs or hassle for the next year.
2026-20524, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers; Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Drivers To Split Sleeper Berth Time
The FMCSA is launching a pilot program to see if truck drivers can split their required rest time in the sleeper berth to improve their work-life balance without risking safety. About 256 drivers will join this study, which could lead to more flexible driving rules. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, and the results might change how drivers manage their hours, possibly saving time and boosting safety.
2026-20476, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers: Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Drivers To Pause Their 14-Hour Driving Window
The FMCSA is launching a pilot program letting truck drivers pause their 14-hour driving window for up to 3 hours at cargo stops to see if it improves their work-life balance without hurting safety. About 256 drivers will join this study, helping the agency gather data on driver fatigue and performance. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, so the public can weigh in before it moves forward.
2026-20325, Clarification to the Applicability of Emergency Exemptions; Response to Petitions for Reconsideration
The FMCSA is extending emergency relief from 14 days to 30 days after a state or FMCSA declares a regional emergency. This change helps truck drivers and companies get more time to respond during emergencies without extra paperwork. The new rule kicks in on October 5, 2026, and anyone wanting to challenge it must act by November 4, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02476, Pipeline Safety: Request for Special Permit
Rockies Express Pipeline wants a special permit to skip some pipeline safety rules and replace two old waivers. PHMSA is asking the public to share their thoughts by March 11, 2026, before deciding. This affects pipeline safety rules and could change how Rockies Express operates, but no new costs or deadlines beyond the comment period are mentioned.
Next: 2026-02482, Regulatory Issue Summary: Personnel Access Authorization Requirements for Non-Immigrant Foreign Nationals Working at Nuclear Power Plants
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission reminds nuclear power plants to double-check the immigration status of non-immigrant foreign workers before giving them unescorted access to sensitive areas. This update affects plant operators who must verify these details to keep security tight, starting February 9, 2026. While it doesn’t add new costs, it ensures everyone follows the rules to keep nuclear sites safe and sound.