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.
2026-16288, English Language Proficiency; Out of Service Criteria
The FMCSA wants to make sure truck drivers who don’t speak English well enough can be taken out of service to keep roads safer. This change affects all commercial drivers and aligns rules with current safety checks, making enforcement clearer and fairer. Comments on this proposal are open until October 9, 2026, with no new costs expected for drivers or companies.
2026-15760, Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection Request: Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The FMCSA is renewing its approval to keep running the Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a system that helps track drivers who test positive for drugs or alcohol. This affects nearly 10 million drivers, employers, and related groups, ensuring safety by making sure drivers complete the return-to-duty process before getting back on the road. Comments on this renewal are open until September 3, 2026, with no new fees involved.
2026-15414, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Transit Solutions, LLC
FMCSA requests public comments on an application for exemption submitted by Transit Solutions, LLC (dba TSI Video) to allow motor carriers to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMV) equipped with TSI's ClearView E-Mirror camera monitor system (CMS) installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). FMCSA is required by statute to publish a notice explaining each exemption request and such notice does not indicate what decision FMCSA will ultimately reach on the request. After reviewing the application, safety analyses, and public comments submitted, FMCSA will grant or deny the exemption.
2026-15430, Hours of Service (HOS) of Drivers: Precision Fireworks LLC; Application for Exemption
FMCSA requests public comment on Precision Fireworks LLC's (Precision) application for exemption from the HOS requirement that drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) must not drive following the 14th hour after coming on duty. FMCSA is required by statute to publish a notice explaining each exemption request. This notice does not indicate what decision FMCSA will ultimately reach on the request. After reviewing the application, safety analyses, and public comments submitted, FMCSA will grant or deny the exemption.
2026-15431, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption Renewal From Charles Machine Works, Inc.
FMCSA withdraws its January 16, 2026, notice that requested public comment on an application from Charles Machine Works, Inc. (CMW) seeking renewal of a five-year exemption from the Agency's prohibition against the use of gravity-fed or siphon-fed fuel systems on commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). FMCSA has determined that the Agency's February 19, 2026, final rule titled "Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Auxiliary Fuel Tanks," provided the requested relief by amending the relevant regulation in a way that resolves the concerns outlined in CMW's original exemption request. Consequently, the exemption is now unnecessary, not only for CMW but also for any other entities that might have planned to request an exemption from the prohibition on gravity-fed or siphon-fed fuel systems on CMVs.
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.