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.
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