FAQ2023-10-10T13:27:21-05:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to have an ELD?2023-10-10T13:25:07-05:00

The Canadian ELD Mandate is a Final Rule released by Transport Canada requiring federally regulated carriers to equip certain commercial motor vehicles with a third-party certified ELD. Federally regulated carriers are those providing extra-provincial transportation and U.S.-based motor carriers operating in Canada. Covered vehicles include those registered at a gross vehicle weight greater than 4,500 kg and currently require the driver to use a logbook. Basic HOS rules did not change with the mandate.

Last updated: 06/01/2021

If my fleet only operates in one province, am I required to equip my commercial vehicles with ELDs?2023-10-10T13:25:14-05:00

The amendments to the regulations mandate the use of ELDs by drivers who are federally regulated and currently maintaining a daily log. If a driver is currently operating in compliance with a specific province or territory’s regulatory requirements, there would be no change.

Last updated: 06/01/2021

Do I need to have a cab card in the truck?2023-10-10T13:25:21-05:00

Yes. The Canadian HOS regulations have been amended to require the motor carrier to ensure that each commercial vehicle that it operates carries an ELD information packet containing a current version of the following documents:

(a) a user’s manual;

(b) an instruction sheet for the driver describing the data transfer mechanisms supported by the ELD and the steps required to generate and transfer the data with respect to the driver’s HOS to an inspector;

(c) an instruction sheet for the driver describing the measures to take in the event that the ELD malfunctions; and

(d) a sufficient number of RODS to allow the driver to record the information required under section 82 for at least 15 days.

Regulations: Section 77(7)

Last updated: 06/23/2021

When prompted to change the operating zone at the border, many drivers don’t pull over until reaching another state or province. Will accepting this prompt after the fact backdate the operating zone change?2023-10-10T13:25:30-05:00

The ELD technical standards are not clear on this subject other than to say “the driver must confirm the operating zone change.” Some ELDs (including those from Omnitracs) will automatically detect zone crossings and store the data until the driver acknowledges the event. At that point, the zone change will be inserted into the driver’s log at the date, time, and GPS location where the zone change actually occurred.

Last updated: 06/01/2021

Am I required to use an ELD when the vehicle is powered off?2023-10-10T13:25:36-05:00

No. The ELD is not required to function if the vehicle is not powered; however, if a driver is required to use an ELD to maintain RODS, the driver must use the ELD to capture all duty status change events. The ELD may provide the option for the driver to use some ELD functionalities when away from the vehicle.

Last updated: 06/01/2021

Are there concerns about running dual logs if partially done on paper and partly through an ELD?2023-10-10T13:25:42-05:00

While Transport Canada has included language in the new ELD regulations that would prevent the driver from doing this, the CCMTA has not developed the technical standard on accurately including additional hours not in the ELD. The requirement for the ELD to allow for entry of additional hours not in the ELD has been removed from the testing regime for certification. We have received confirmation drivers will be allowed to provide a mixture of records to complete the entire 14-day cycle at roadside until the CCMTA provides the correct technical specifications and Transport Canada clarifies the timing for its implementation into the ELD and the subsequent re-certification testing requirements. Regulations: Section 77(5)(f)&(h)

Last updated: 06/23/2021

Can a motor carrier create more than one ELD account for a driver?2023-10-10T13:25:48-05:00

A motor carrier must assign only one ELD driver account for each of its drivers required to use an ELD. An ELD must not allow the creation of more than one driver account associated with a driver’s license for a given motor carrier. The motor carrier is also responsible for establishing requirements for unique user identifications and passwords.

Regulations: Section 78.1(a)&(b)

Last updated: 06/23/2021

If a carrier is federally regulated but has domestic trucks that stay within the province, are the domestic trucks required to switch to ELDs?2023-10-10T13:25:58-05:00

The amendments to the regulations mandate the use of ELDs by drivers who are federally regulated and currently maintaining a daily log. If a driver is currently operating in compliance with a specific province or territory’s regulatory requirements, there would be no change.

Last updated: 06/01/2021

Is engine synchronization required?2023-10-10T13:26:04-05:00

Yes, an ELD must be integrally synchronized with the engine of the commercial motor vehicle. Engine synchronization means monitoring engine operation to automatically capture the engine power status, vehicle motion status, miles driven, and engine hours.

Last updated: 06/01/2021

Must the ELD be wired to the vehicle’s ECM?2023-10-10T13:26:10-05:00

No, there is no requirement for the ELD to be hard-wired to the ECM. It is simply required to have a connection to the ECM. That may be accomplished in both wired and wireless modes.

Last updated: 06/01/2021