# 2026-02480: Electronic Logging Device Requirements: Federation of Professional Truckers; Application for Exemption

2026-02480, Electronic Logging Device Requirements: Federation of Professional Truckers; Application for Exemption, is a Federal Register notice from Transportation Department, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published 2026-02-09, effective Comments must be received on or before March 11, 2026. (as of 2026-06-08).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02480
- As of: 2026-06-08
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-02480
- Title: Electronic Logging Device Requirements: Federation of Professional Truckers; Application for Exemption
- Type: Notice
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 5800
- Published: 2026-02-09
- Effective: Comments must be received on or before March 11, 2026.
- Comments close: 2026-03-11
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-06-08

## 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.

## Abstract

FMCSA requests public comment on the Federation of Professional Truckers' (FOPT) application for an exemption from the electronic logging device (ELD) requirements. FOPT requests an exemption to allow professional drivers the option to record their records of duty status (RODS) manually, instead of using an ELD.

## Effects PRIA read

- Option to use paper logs instead of ELDs: benefit, medium. 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 req…
- Small carriers face disproportionate ELD costs: benefit, medium. 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: cost, low. 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…
- Paper RODS remain enforceable nationwide: benefit, low. 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 alternativ…

## Related documents

- [2026-08144](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08144): Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures, 2026-04-27
- [2026-20734](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20734): Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Aurora Operations, Inc (USDOT #341156), 2026-10-09
- [2026-20649](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20649): Qualification of Drivers; Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance; Application for Exemption, 2026-10-08
- [2026-20524](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20524): Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers; Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Driver…, 2026-10-07
- [2026-20476](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20476): Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers: Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Driver…, 2026-10-06
- [2026-20325](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20325): Clarification to the Applicability of Emergency Exemptions; Response to Petitions for Reconsideration, 2026-10-05

## Sources
- [2026-02480 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/09/2026-02480/electronic-logging-device-requirements-federation-of-professional-truckers-application-for-exemption)
- [2026-02480 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-09/pdf/2026-02480.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-02476, Pipeline Safety: Request for Special Permit](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02476)
- [Next: 2026-02482, Regulatory Issue Summary: Personnel Access Authorization Requirements for Non-I…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02482)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02480 (as of 2026-06-08).