Truckers Stuck with ELDs: No Paper Logs Allowed
Published Date: 9/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federation of Professional Truckers asked to skip using electronic logging devices (ELDs) and keep paper logs instead. The government said no because ELDs keep everyone safer on the road. Truck drivers still need to use ELDs, so no changes or extra costs for now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
ELD Exemption Request Denied
FMCSA denied the Federation of Professional Truckers' request to let drivers use paper Records of Duty Status (RODS) instead of electronic logging devices (ELDs). The decision was published in the Federal Register on September 30, 2026 and follows 901 public comments. Drivers required to keep RODS must continue to use ELDs under 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)(i).
Limited Paper-Log Exception Remains
The existing regulatory exception allowing a motor carrier to permit manual RODS remains: a driver may prepare RODS manually if operating in a manner requiring completion of a record of duty status on not more than 8 days within any 30-day period (49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)(iii)(A)(1)). FMCSA's denial of FOPT's blanket exemption does not change this limited exception.
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Key Dates
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